Delhi's Astalakshmi Carnival 2026 Celebrates Northeast Culture, Cuisine & Music

Day 1 on Saturday drew an enthusiastic gathering of cultural practitioners, students, families and residents of Delhi keen to experience the spirit of Northeast India.

An initiative of Yugasutra, the Astalakshmi Carnival seeks to build a meaningful cultural bridge between Northeast India and the national capital, according to a statement by the organisers.

The opening day successfully set the tone for the festival by blending traditional performances, contemporary expressions, interactive sessions and culinary showcases into a vibrant cultural narrative.

The carnival was formally inaugurated at around 6 pm Saturday evening, ushering in a series of carefully curated performances and activities. The ambience of the venue, adorned with traditional motifs and vivid colours, reflected the ethos of unity in diversity and resonated strongly with the festival's theme of celebrating the cultural plurality of Northeast India.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was former IAS officer M P Bezbaruah, widely known for chairing the M P Bezbaruah Committee constituted by the central government in 2014 following the unfortunate death of Nido Tania, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, in the national capital. The committee was mandated to submit a report with recommendations that would help address concerns related to racial discrimination and security issues faced by people from Northeast India living in metropolitan cities across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Bezbaruah said there was much more to be done to bring Northeast India together and to use its diversity as a source of pride rather than division. He called for more initiatives that would showcase Northeast India and its diversity to audiences beyond the region. Expressing happiness over the initiative, he said Yugasutra was connecting people, generations and cultures, and added that the idea of Astalakshmi was both timely and meaningful.

The evening began on a classical note with a Sattriya dance performance by students of master Bhabananda Borbayan. The performance was warmly received by the audience and showcased the grace, discipline and spiritual depth of Assam's classical dance tradition, providing a refined and culturally rich opening to the programme.

This was followed by a Northeast folk fusion performance by students of Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi. Bringing together diverse folk rhythms with contemporary interpretations, the performance highlighted the evolving nature of traditional art forms and their resonance with younger generations, drawing appreciation for its energy and creativity.

One highlight of Day 1 was the conversation and musical performance with renowned Assamese singer-songwriter Joi Barua. Moderated by filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, the session offered insights into Barua's musical journey, creative process and deep-rooted connection with his cultural heritage.

As dusk settled, the festivities took on a celebratory spirit with a Bihu Husori performance by Assamese students studying in the national capital. The rhythmic beats, traditional attire and collective energy of the performers transported the audience to the heart of Assam's Bihu celebrations and reinforced the cultural authenticity of the carnival.

The evening concluded on a high note with a band performance by White Bridge, where contemporary sounds blended seamlessly with folk influences, keeping the audience engaged until the close of the programme.

Beyond the main stage, Day 1 was marked by a range of creative and open activities that continued throughout the day. The Open Live Painting Session attracted artists and art enthusiasts alike, creating a visual dialogue inspired by the landscapes, traditions and stories of Northeast India.

The Food court emerged as a major attraction, drawing long queues and enthusiastic participation. Featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes, it offered visitors an authentic taste of Northeastern cuisine and highlighted food as a powerful medium of cultural exchange. An Open Stage, operational from 11:30 am onwards, provided space for spontaneous performances and community participation, reinforcing the inclusive and participatory spirit of the carnival.

Speaking on the success of the opening day, the organisers expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming response. An organiser from Yugasutra said the Astalakshmi Carnival was envisioned as a celebration of identity, creativity and connection, and the response on the first day reflected a growing curiosity and appreciation for the cultural wealth of the Northeast.

The festival's location in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri enabled participation from a diverse audience, including members of the diplomatic community, students from universities across Delhi and families seeking a culturally enriching weekend experience.

With free entry and an open invitation to all, the Astalakshmi Carnival 2026 affirmed its commitment to accessibility and cultural inclusion. Day 1 successfully laid the foundation for the concluding day, which promises an equally engaging lineup featuring traditional dances, band performances, DJ sets, open mic sessions and a special Magh Bihu celebration.

- ANI