Recently, the repeated mention of the "Northeast Festival" in the news reminded me of events from a decade ago. The years when Northeast youths in Delhi were frequently out in the streets, calling out against racism, discrimination, assault, abuse, and even murder and rape by mainland Indians.
Northeast people were attacked on the streets, in the workplace, and even inside their rented accommodations.
It was during the 2000s. There were frequent reports of attacks on Northeast people in Delhi and a few other cities. Delhi is the worst. Most of the victims and survivors were young women and men. They were working in private sectors and were living to support themselves and their siblings.
Several discussions, meetings, and interactions were held with Northeast representatives and key officials in the government, media, and NGOs. On what to do about this frequent crime against the northeast population in the city of Delhi (to be specific).
There were several suggestions and recommendations by intellectuals, government officials, and thinkers, even the police. Some of the main key issues observed were that mainland India does not know much about the northeast and its people. This was considered as one of the key reasons for the racial attacks or discriminations.
Considering this, observers and thinkers in both the government, the media, and NE representatives (like student leaders and CSOs) came to agree to hold festivals where Northeast cultural traditions, food, etc., could be showcased in mainland India. There were many other suggestions too, like a separate police cell, etc., among many.
Thus the “Northeast Festival” was born. The festival was held in Delhi with VIPs and celebrities. Who’s who from the Northeast states were invited to Delhi. Entrepreneurs were invited to showcase their products, etc. The festival became an annual affair. And it was quite popular, then. I am not sure whether it is still popular in Delhi now.
It did bring mainland Indians to the festival. It also showcased culture, food, etc. The festival did “showcase” fashion and food. VIPs came and went; celebrities from the Northeast were on stage.
Eventually the festival went international, with the Northeast Festival being held in various foreign countries. The latest being Singapore.
I am not sure if the NE festival in Delhi or other Indian metro cities brought some solution or put a stop to the racial attacks or violence against NE people. The violence against the NE people was not so frequent as it was in the early 2000s now, no doubt about it. But there is information on cases and issues every now and then. These are not necessarily reported.
More or less this NE festival has become more of a “show” and business—with entrepreneurs selling products. The market now is “foreign” and not only mainland India. Once I wrote on my FB wall, and I got a response that the NE festival in a foreign country is a good platform for NE. And one must promote such events.
Indeed, such festivals help us “showcase” ourselves to the “outside” world. It does promote culture and create a platform for some or many.
But there is also a need to reflect on how these festivals really impact the Northeast states and their people. Do we really need to “showcase” ourselves in foreign countries? They may buy our products or eat our food or invest in some venture.
But why do we need to fly out of the country to create a platform or showcase our culture? Whatever that culture may be!
The recent weeks have made me think, do we really need Northeast festivals?. If so, why not have the event in our own states? When NE is so divided along various lines and in continual conflict, why not a festival to bring the NE people together?.
The suggestions for a northeast festival in Delhi or other Indian cities may have a reason, and it is a well-thought-out initiative. But by a decade now, the festivals do not seem to have any significance or relevance anymore. It appears to be just a “show” and platform for elites and socialites.
( NOTE : some may say this is a pessimistic opinion or thought. I am not invited to these NE festivals, but I did attend in the earlier years, without an invite. This is a personal thought and does not reflect or point fingers at any person.)
September 30, 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment