The 5th edition of the highly anticipated Northeast Fiesta came to a vibrant conclusion, uniting audiences and performers in a two-day celebration of Northeast India’s diverse cultures, held on October 25-26 at Eastwood Village in Jalandhar, Punjab, the event drew people from all walks of life to experience the rich heritage, music, dance, and cuisine from the Northeastern states of India. This year’s event attracted an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 800 to 1,000 attendees.

Organized by North-East Students' Organization Jalandhar (NESOJ), the Northeast Fiesta showcased traditional dances, folk music, crafts, and culinary specialties unique to the eight Northeastern states, including Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. The event also featured an exciting line-up of activities, including fashion shows, interactive sessions, and art exhibitions that highlighted the talents and innovations emerging from the region.

The festival was inaugurated on Day 1 by Major Duzu Kiso, Assistant Director of the Army Postal Service, alongside Chief Guest Dr. Himanshu Agrawal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, Government of Punjab. In his inspiring address, Dr. Agrawal highlighted the vital role of cultural exchange in building bridges between communities. He emphasized that the district administration is committed to supporting the welfare of Northeast students, encouraging them to actively participate in cultural initiatives and share their rich heritage with the wider community.

Day 2 featured esteemed guests, including Dr. Saurabh Lakhanpal, Senior Dean of the Division of Student Welfare at Lovely Professional University, along with Er. Temsuzulu, Deputy General Manager of the Marketing Division at Jalandhar Terminal, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Er. Yashpal Aithmian, Chief Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Their participation further enriched the festival's atmosphere.

The Northeast Fiesta showcased a series of captivating cultural performances, including traditional dances, an ethnic fashion show, skit performances, and a band performance, all celebrating the rich heritage of the North-East. Additionally, the event featured a vibrant exhibition and food stalls, offering a wide variety of North Eastern culinary delights and sustainable handicrafts. Attendees were able to immerse themselves in the unique flavors and craftsmanship of the region.

Latiphar Syiem, Convenor of Northeast Fiesta 2024, extended heartfelt thanks to all partnership associations and student bodies representing the eight Northeastern states in Punjab. Himan Debbarma, President of NESOJ, expressed profound gratitude to all participants and guests. He acknowledged the beauty of cultural exchange highlighted during the fiesta and underscored the importance of unity among diverse communities.

The Northeast Fiesta has once again reinforced the importance of celebrating cultural diversity and fostering connections among students from different backgrounds. NESOJ looks forward to continuing this tradition in future editions. Northeast Fiesta has been conceptualised and produced by TOTELL, A North-East based Startup Community.