Burmese cultural troupe to perform in northeast India

by Mithu Choudhury
Friday, 27 November 2009 20:13

Guwahati, Assam (Mizzima) - A 15-member cultural troupe from Burma is to arrive in India’s North-eastern region on Saturday to showcase their country’s traditional art and culture, officials said.

During their 10-day, (November 28 to December 7), visit to three North-eastern states — Nagaland, Manipur and Assam — the Burmese cultural troupe will perform various traditional dances at capitals of the three states - Kohima, Imphal and Guwahati, a Manipur government official said.

The official told the local media on Friday, "The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has been advocating closer cultural and trade ties between North-eastern states and neighbouring countries as part of the ‘Look-East Policy’."

According to Rajkumar Kalyanjit Singh, an expert on northeast art and culture, archaeological evidence shows an Indian influence on Burmese dance and there are some similarities between traditional dances of northeast India and Burma.

The cultural exchange programme has been taken up by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in coordination with the Indian embassy in Rangoon, Burmese embassy in New Delhi, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), North Eastern Council (NEC) and the three North-eastern state governments.

The cultural troupe, which arrived in Kolkata on Friday and will reach Kohima on Saturday, will stay in Nagaland’s capital for four days and perform at the inaugural function of the ‘Hornbill Festival on December 1.

Hornbill Festival is a state-sponsored festival where more than 14 tribes living in the state showcase their cultures, with an objective of greater unity among the tribes.

Some of the highlights of the festival include, Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley - songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert.


Edited by Mungpi