New Delhi, January 09 2009: A NINE-DAY cultural event cum exhibition - 'Purvottari: Spirit of the North East', organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts(IGNCA) in New Delhi from 10th of January at IGNCA complex here, will give an insight into to the art and culture of the people of the unique North East part of India.

The Exhibitions, to be curated by the people of the North-East, would give an authenticity to the display and depiction of the eight sister states which include Sikkim , Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya.

North East India is unique due to its historical, archaeological, ethnographical, religious and artistic endeavours.

Nature has ungrudgingly blessed the region with an abundance of scenic grandeur, a wealth of rarest and near extinct wild life which made it a part of global bio diversity hotspot.

With multiple dialects, the topography and ecology of the plains and hills have influenced almost every sphere of the life of the people.

The region has been the epitome of multiple human creativity in terms of tangible and intangible heritage which is continuing till date, and IGNCA under the able guidance of Member Secretary, Dr K K Chakravarty, has very creatively taken the task of attempting to showcase the cultural diversity.

The multi thematic exhibition showcasing the harmony of body mind and soul, material, technique, art, energy, is the reflection of life and culture of North East India.

Objects made of bamboo, cane, clay, stone, various headgears and other items for every day use will be on display among other things, besides, Music of the land has been showcased through the musical instruments and the rich textile of the region has been exhibited and also the anthropomorphic physiognomy of the characters of the folk narratives through the paintings by native artists.

The Exhibition will also unveil vivid religious traditions and practices prevailing in North East India, including the role of women in shaping the culture of the region from domesticity, contribution in small scale industry to freedom movement of the country.

Manuscripts have always remained a major resource of knowledge of any society.

The CIL division of IGNCA is in proud possession of some of the rare and precious manuscripts in digital form.

These manuscripts will be accessible to the visitors through computers and photographs and sale of some of the books.

According to Dr.Kailash Kumar Mishra, NE Coordinator, IGNCA, there will be special screening and discussion of selected films on the North-East, and eminent historians, folklorists, journalists, anthropologists and directors from the field of cinema and theatre are invited to grace the occasion.

Satyakam Gogoi, Representative from Sankardeva Kalakshetra , Assam , added there will be Performances by traditional chanters, healers and dancers from the different NE states, besides, people will be given first hand account of the art-traditions, food-habits and knowledge systems of the region in the mega event.

Eminent film personality Aribam Syam Sharma will deliver lecture on 'Rajarshi Bhagyachandra and Vaishavism in Manipur' on January 15 at 4.30 pm in the Special Lecture Programme to be conducted from January 13 to 18 .

Five resource persons namely, K.Sobita Devi, H.Bilashini Devi, Salam Rajesh, R.K.Jhaljit Singh and Lianboi Vaiphei will respectively present papers on � 'Interpretation of design and motifs of dress, costumes and head dress of Manipuris', 'Significance of Paphal manuscript paintings in the socio-religio-cultural history of Manipur', 'The enduring art tradition of wood carvings of the tribes of Manipur', 'Interface between indigenous faith and Vedic religion in Manipur' and 'Exploring the theistic faith and its correspond to their culture among the hill tribes in Manipur' in the two-day seminar on January 10-12 .

Seven dance items namely, Laiharaoba, Thang Leiteng, Thadou-Kuki Festive dance, Kabui Khoiguna Laam, Ta Khousaba, Lhou Sha and Ras Leela will be performed on January 12 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Screening of documentaries and feature films on the North East will take place from January 10 to 18.Eight feature films and 19 documentaries from Assam, nine documentaries from Mizoram, eight documentaries from Nagaland, four documentaries from Arunachal Pradesh, five documentaries from Sikkim and one documentary from Tripura in the screening programme.

Manipur, though it is one of the leading film producing State in the North East does find its place in the screening programme.

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