Agartala, July 23 (IANS): The Indian Council for Cultural Relations ((ICCR) will conduct more cultural exchange programmes with other countries to spread the traditional and ethnic culture of India's Northeastern States, an official said here on Friday.
"A primary mandate of the Council is to create international understanding through culture. Northeast India's diverse life and culture are the key attraction in rest of the world," ICCR regional director N Munish Singh told reporters on the eve of the first-ever northeast India classical music and dance festival.
The extravaganza, organised by the ICCR, will be held simultaneously in Agartala and the Manipur capital Imphal from Saturday.
Artistes from different parts of the country will perform Manipuri, Satriyya (Assamese), Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchpudi, Kathakali dances in the festivals.
"The festivals, first such in the region, will help to articulate and demonstrate the diversity of the rich tradition of classical dances of Northeast India," Singh said. "We are trying to empanel maximum of number artistes from northeast India with the ICCR. Until now, 32 renowned artistes from eight northeastern states have been empanelled with the council," he added.
The Council showcases quality performances in many countries by Indian cultural troupes so that the people of the world get to see and appreciate the richness and diversity of the Indian culture.
The Council is also planning to hold festivals in Spain, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Namibia, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia and Tanzania during 2010-2011.
