Amid a downpour, the ninth edition of the North East Students’ Festival (NESt Fest) kicked off at Talkatora Stadium last week, bringing the music, food, fashion and dance of the Northeast to Delhi. Built around the theme, The Sound of India’s Yuva Shakti, the festival celebrated the region’s cultural diversity.
Hojagiri dance from Tripura
Musical magic from the NortheastMusic was echoing through the stadium as songs in regional languages took centre stage. The highlight of the evening was Sourabhee Debbarma’s set. “India ke liye maine bohot se stages pe perform kiya hai. I’m really honoured. I come from the Tiprasa community of Tripura, so I’m going to perform some popular songs (from my region), and then I’ll entertain you all with some Hindi songs.” Explaining the message behind her first song, she said that it was all about first love. The energy went through the roof when she sang Zara Zara and Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai. During Felix Yumnam’s performance, students sang along to his mellow and upbeat tunes. “I was very nervous because I haven’t performed in a while. Everyone was really lovely. Thank you for singing with me!” he told the audience after his performance.
Sourabhee Debbarma (L) Felix Yumnam (R )
Delhi is more beautiful because of you: Delhi CM Addressing the gathering, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, “Every single person who comes from any state of the country and lives in Delhi or is working to advance the city, today Delhi is even more beautiful because of all of you. Wherever you are working, be it in the hotel industry, in the fashion industry, or you are studying, Delhi is running only because of your hard work.”
(L-R) Rekha Gupta, Jyoritaditya Scindia, Sunil Deodhar
Fashion, dance add colour to the fest Showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary silhouettes, a fashion show led by Meghalayan designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah drew loud applause. The evening also featured a traditional Hojagiri dance from Tripura, leaving the audience spellbound as women balanced on clay pots while carrying lighted oil lamps on their heads. Kimi, a nursing student from Mizoram who has been living in Delhi for the past two years, shared, “I have never been to such an event, and it was a joyful experience. Sourabhee’s performance in particular was really fun. I haven’t seen this kind of representation before, and it was great to attend the NESt Fest.”
Manipuri model Danube Kangjam (L) walked as the showstopper, sporting a striking headpiece and an eclectic ensemble
