New Delhi: The aroma of bamboo shoot curries mingled with the sounds of folk music as Talkatora Indoor Stadium transformed into a slice of the North-East Friday. At the ninth North East Students’ Festival (NESt Fest), students living far from home found a taste of familiarity in traditional food, music and cultural performances, while visitors got a glimpse of the region’s rich heritage.The venue buzzed with the colours, flavours and traditions of the North-East as communities and performers came together to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage through food, handicrafts, textiles and music.Food stalls proved to be a major draw, with offerings ranging from Kim’s Kitchen and Baga Hills Kitchen run by Naga students to a variety of regional delicacies. Visitors sampled Manipuri dishes, including Exotic Adan Chai Khum, along with other traditional foods and snacks from the region. Handicraft and cultural stalls highlighted the diversity of North-Eastern traditions.The stalls attracted a steady stream of students and visitors, many of whom spent time tasting different cuisines, browsing traditional products, listening to folk songs and watching dance performances. However, a change in weather later in the day prompted some visitors and stall operators to leave early.“I came here because I wanted to explore the different cultures of the North-East beyond my own state. The handicrafts, traditional clothes and performances were fascinating, and it was nice to see so many young people coming together to celebrate their heritage,” said Amelia, a Delhi University student from the North-East.For 25-year-old Tenzin, the food and atmosphere were the biggest attractions. “I tried dishes I had never tasted before, and the stalls had such a lively atmosphere. I also enjoyed talking to the students running the stalls and learning about the stories behind some of the traditional foods and products,” he said.Alongside the cultural performances, govt and exhibition stalls showcased the region’s art, crafts and traditions. Visitors could also interact with participants representing different states of the North-East and learn about their cultural practices.The two-day festival, being held under the theme “The Sound of India’s Yuva Shakti”, was inaugurated in the presence of chief minister Rekha Gupta and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.The second day will feature performances including Meghalaya’s traditional dances and Assam’s Bihu, along with a fashion show showcasing North-Eastern attire.
