Nongpoh : Bharat Ko Jano & Border Area Programme – Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026 was successfully organised on 5th March 2026 at Ri-Bhoi College, Meghalaya.

The programme was organised by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur and South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with North East Integration Rally 2026, KRC Foundation and Ri-Bhoi College, Meghalaya. The event aimed to strengthen cultural understanding and national integration by showcasing the rich and diverse traditions of India.

The programme was graced by Esther N. Marak, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Dr. Prashanna Gogoi, Director, NEZCC, Oliver T. Pongen, Deputy Director, NEZCC, Dipak P. Patil, Admin-cum-Accounts Officer, SCZCC, Nagpur, Madam W. K. Blah, Secretary, Ri-Bhoi College; Dr Elizabeth Kharkongor, Principal of Ri-Bhoi College; and  Biswadeep Gupta, Managing Trustee, KRC Foundation, who was the Chief Coordinator of the Programme.

The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a welcome address by Dr. Elizabeth Kharkongor, Principal of Ri-Bhoi College. This was followed by brief addresses from the dignitaries highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the role of such initiatives in promoting the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”

A major highlight of the programme was the choreographic cultural presentation titled “Kala Sangini”, a vibrant confluence of dance traditions from South-Central India accompanied by live music.

The performance featured traditional art forms such as Bonalu & Battukamma (Telangana), Bessu Kamsale and Devi Nritya (Karnataka), Gondhal & Jogwa (Maharashtra), Badhai & Norta (Madhya Pradesh), and Panthi Nritya, along with Folk Instrumental Music (Chhattisgarh), presented by talented artistes under the guidance of Astha M. Karlekar, Director, SCZCC, Nagpur, assisted by  Maitreyee Bapat and  Harsh Nilesh Gada.

The programme also included beautiful performances by the local cultural groups of Ri-Bhoi College, presenting Ka Shad Mastieh and traditional Khasi folk songs, which added a vibrant local cultural flavour to the event.

The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks, followed by the National Anthem, leaving the audience with a memorable experience celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity and unity.