The festival offers artists a national stage- It also creates a space for exchange
KRC TIMES NE Desk
Dimapur : Dimapur is all set to turn into a vibrant meeting ground of cultures as the North East Spring Festival 2026 takes shape from 26th to 28th February at the NEZCC Complex. The festival is being organised by the North East Zone Cultural Centre in collaboration with the South Central Zone Cultural Centre under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
This year’s celebration carries a deeper meaning. It is not just about music or dance. It is about building a cultural bridge between regions. The festival will take place alongside the Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026, creating a shared space where traditions from the North East and South Central India meet, speak and connect.
A Festival with a Larger Purpose
The main goal is clear. To protect and promote the rich folk and tribal traditions of the North East. These traditions live in stories, songs, rhythms and rituals. Many of them survive through oral memory.
The festival offers artists a national stage. It also creates a space for exchange. Performers from different regions will share not only performances but also cultural practices.
Youth engagement is another focus. Folk, tribal, band and choir performances aim to attract young audiences. In doing so, the festival hopes to keep these traditions alive in changing times.
Dates and Venue
The North East Spring Festival 2026 will run from 26th to 28th February 2026 at the NEZCC Complex in Dimapur, Nagaland. Each evening’s programmes will begin at 5 PM.
Folk and Tribal Voices of the North East
Cultural groups from all eight North Eastern states will take part. Each performance reflects identity, memory and heritage. Arunachal Pradesh will present Rikhampada led by Nabam Sonil with 12 artistes.
Assam will bring two performances: Bihu Nach led by Bishnupriya Gogoi with 15 artistes Daosri Delai led by Juri Boro with 13 artistes
Manipur will present Lai Haraoba, Thang-Ta and Cheirol Jagoi led by Mutum Herojit Singh with 12 artistes.
Meghalaya will showcase Wangala led by Jingjang A. Sangma with 12 artistes.
Mizoram will present Cheraw through the Art and Culture Department with 15 artistes.
Nagaland will feature: Nzanta led by Ovungbeni Ovung with 12 artistes Tenem led by Guru Rarenbenba with 15 artistes
Sikkim will present Magar Nritya through the Culture Department with 12 artistes.
Tripura will bring Hojagiri led by Debasish Reang with 12 artistes.
In total, 130 folk artistes from the North East will take part.
Music to Connect the Youth
To keep the younger crowd engaged, the festival includes band and choir performances.
Blue Temptation from Shillong will perform on 26 February. Coronation Choir from Dimapur will also perform on 26 February. 6 Strings from Assam will perform on 27 February. Brahmos from Kohima will perform on 27 February.
National Cultural Collaboration
The partnership with the Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026 gives this event a wider scope.
Special programmes under Bharat Ko Jano and the Border Area Programme are also planned.
Extended festival events will be held beyond Dimapur:
26 to 28 February 2026 in Dimapur, Nagaland
2 to 3 March 2026 in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
5 to 6 March 2026 in Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya
Participation from South Central Zone
Folk art forms from SCZCC states will be presented by 83 artistes.
These include:
Badhai and Narta from Madhya Pradesh
Gondhal, Jagran and Jogwa from Maharashtra
Bathukamma and Bonalu from Telangana
Bessu kamsale from Karnataka
Devi Nritya from Karnataka
Panthi from Chhattisgarh
Folk Instrumental from Chhattisgarh
Dance and Music items include:
Badhai and Norta from Madhya Pradesh
Gondhal, Jagran and Jogwa from Maharashtra
Bathukamma and Bonalu from Telangana
Bessu kamsale from Karnataka
Devi Nritya from Karnataka
Panthi Nritya from Chhattisgarh
Folk & Tribal Instrumental from Chhattisgarh
Expected Outcomes
The festival is expected to deepen cultural dialogue between regions. It will bring traditional art forms into wider public view.
It may also inspire more youth to learn and perform these traditions.
Another likely outcome is growth in cultural tourism in Nagaland and across the North East.
A Living Celebration of Diversity
The North East Spring Festival 2026, along with the Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026, promises to be a celebration of India’s diversity.
The three day gathering in Dimapur will serve as a shared stage for folk artists, tribal performers, musicians and cultural lovers.
The initiative is being led by Dr Prashanna Gogoi, Director of NEZCC, Dimapur and Astha M Karlekar, Director of SCZCC, Nagpur.
Through such efforts, the cultural story of India continues to grow, carried forward by the voices of its many communities.
