North East Festivals in Delhi are a popular event in NCR. These would be a melange of beautiful weaves and crafts, unique food, rocking music, alluring travel brochures to the seven sisters of India and a headful of dreams. The last two years have been disappointing on this front as well. While the North East Festival 2021 was planned, it was postponed. We were disappointed but had our hopes up for North East Festival 2022. And then Ishaan Manthan happened…
“Ask and you shall receive” is what our upcoming events in Delhi page said. Last weekend, the Delhi culture scene was on fire. Spicmacay was resuming classical Indian concerts after a break of 2 years. And then, there was the North East Festival, albeit under a different name, Ishaan Manthan.
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What is on offer at Ishaan Manthan
The 3-day event had an array of interesting programs lined up. Music and dance programs, panel discussions, and video presentations were held indoors. Manipuri Raas Leela and The classical drum-dance Pungcholum enthralled the audience. Statewise handloom and handicraft stalls were set up out in the open. We pottered among the stalls in happy abundance. We were attending such an exhibition after more than 2 years. The rich fabrics of Assam, the cane work of Tripura, and the spicy pickles of Nagaland drew excited customers.
We were also somewhat moved to have been out after ages. Bedabrata brought a handloom sling bag from the Assam store. We also bought Kona grass woven water bottle holders as souvenirs. Not only were these affordable, but these would also make smart gifts we thought.
A separate section had a bunch of food stalls. Our favourite bamboo shoot pork curry was on offer too. Manipur and Nagaland meal platters were also on offer. Some stalls carried a variety of chilli pickles from Nagaland. We could identify Bhoot-jhalakiya, apparently the hottest chilli in the world. Needless to say, we did not dare to try this.
We saw an outdoor stage being set up with big sound boxes and psychedelic lights. Apparently, a rock concert was planned for the evening.
Ishaan Manthan was a collaboration by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India; Prajna Pravah and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts. The event was organised as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 75th celebration of India’s independence.
Ishaan Manthan, New Delhi
As per Vastu, the traditional Indian system of architecture, Ishaan means north-east direction. Ishaan Manthan festival was an apt term for exploration of the North-Eastern region of India. The North-East of India was earlier identified with the Seven Sisters of India.
Seven Sisters States
The distant land of North-East India has always allured us. The North-East was divided into 7 states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. These exotic lands were collectively called the Seven Sisters of India. However, the definition of Seven Sisters has hence been modified. Sikkim has now been included under North-Eastern states. So there are Seven Sisters are now 8 states in all. All eight states were represented at the Ishaan Manthaan Festival.
Venue – Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA)
Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts or IGNCA has been one of our favourite venues in Delhi. The beautiful building amongst sprawling lawns carries many memories for us. We have attended many events here. We have also heard stalwart historians like Romila Thapar and Kapila Vatsyan here sharing amazing views about art and culture here.
The earlier IGNCA has been pulled down recently for the Central Vista project. IGNCA has now moved to a smaller building at Janpath. The new location is near Janpath Metro Station Gate No. 4. They have some parking on the lane behind the building.
We fondly remember the original IGNCA. But we are optimistic that we will attend many wholesome events as well.
Meanwhile, Ishaan Manthaan subtly won our hearts. We looked forward to the next edition of the North East Festival.
Ishaan-Manthan seems to have been a great event where the kaleidoscopic beauty of the culture and art of the Nort-East was showcased. Events like these need to happen across India so that there is more awareness of the richness of the culture of the North-East. Sandy N Vyjay
We can’t agree more. Sometimes we are embarrassingly unaware of our country.
Is this festival still going on?
Seems like a great festival, so much fun, entertainment and food. I wish I can explore.
No, it was only a weekend affair. From experience, such festivals are annual events. Do keep visiting our upcoming events in Delhi page for updates.
No, it was just a weekend affair.
What a lovely treat! I used to love these melas with stalls from different states… Such a delight to see and buy things that we don’t usually find here.
Absolutely!
Ishaan Manthan festival looks great as it is an amalgamation of shopping and cultural events. Saw your youtube video about this fest and it looks awesome.
So glad you think so Judy. Many thanks
I love attending various Indian festivals. And my favourites are tribal ones and North east ones. Maybe because we know less about them! Thanks for sharing your valuable experience.
We love it for the food and music.
I have never been to any North Eastern festival, so reading about Ishaan Manthan was so good. I hope to visit the festival next time. What an experience it must’ve been for you.
You must, with your kids too. It is a lot of fun.
Those beaded necklaces look so pretty. Their handicraft items are really beautiful. Such fairs and exhibitions are a great way to showcase an entire regions rich culture and art.
We totally agree.
I have never heard of Ishaan Manthan festival till date. Such a beautiful festival with so many pretty handicrafts and things to buy. I love such festivals because of the food that it offers too. And having a North east festival in Delhi sounds so good.
Yes we thoroughly enjoy North East festivals.