AGARTALA: Aiming to raise awareness of a region organisers say remains poorly understood in India and abroad, North East Indians in United Kingdom (UK) brought together more than 500 people at the Indian Gymkhana Club Grounds on July 11 for the United Colours of North-East India Festival 2026, the largest such gathering of all 8 North-Eastern states held in London.
The 1-day community celebration marked the culture and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. It was supported by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, Head of the Royal Scion of Tripura, who provided encouragement in making the celebration a reality.
IMA Foundation UK/India curated a 1-day art workshop titled “BRIDGE2WORLDS NE” at the festival, where children and families came together through creative expression using non-toxic colour, sponsored by Dabble, on 2 large canvases. The art was inaugurated by Rajya Sabha MP of Meghalaya, James Sangma, and his wife Jasmine Sangma.
The 2 canvases were unified into a single large painting, signifying the bridging of divides across generations, regions and cultures. The final work was completed based on a concept by renowned artist, curator and IMA Foundation founder Radha Binod Sharma, along with director and co-founder Rani Bains and British artist Dave Williams.
At its centre stage, the painting created a mother symbol, portraying Khumi Tonsing Burton, a North-East Indian leader and daughter of T.C. Tiankham, IAS officer (Retd) and Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly after the first election held under the Manipur Constitution Act in 1947. The figure represented the generative and sacrificial love and energy of motherhood to nurture identity and nourish well-being. The painting will remain a lasting symbol of the inaugural festival.
According to Radha Binod Sharma, the artwork stands as a living example of collective participation and the power of creativity to celebrate unity in diversity across different states, cultures and generations.
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Recalling the first 3-day gathering of cultural artists from across the Northeast in Agartala, Tripura in 2019, Radha Binod reflected on the importance of such events in bringing together people from all 8 North-Eastern states to work as a collective on combined projects.
One of the highlights of the festival was the enthusiastic participation of second-generation members of the diaspora. Many young people born or raised in the UK experienced their cultural heritage perhaps for the first time. The event served as a platform to promote unity, cultural understanding and stronger community ties among North-Easterners living in the UK.
Visitors enjoyed regional food organised by Rabbe Angom, along with folk songs, musical performances, traditional handloom displays and cultural presentations representing all 8 states. A colourful fashion show showcasing traditional attire from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura was curated by Reena Ahanthem, celebrating the region’s textile and cultural heritage.
Organisers said the festival also aimed to increase national and international awareness of North-East India, noting that many people in India and abroad have limited knowledge of the region’s geography, history and diverse communities. They expressed hope that the event would encourage greater interest in and appreciation of North-East India’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the cultural celebrations, the gathering strengthened connections among members of the North-East Indian diaspora by bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, students and families. Organisers said such events create valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration and mutual support, while fostering a stronger sense of community among North-Easterners living in the United Kingdom.
