Jaipur: From the agile movements of Himalayan snow lions to the spiritual rhythms of Manipur’s Pung and the vibrant beats of Assam’s Bihu, the rich cultural tapestry of Northeast India came alive on the stage in Jaipur. The four-day ‘OCTAVE 2026’ festival concluded at the Rajasthan International Centre on Sunday, leaving the audience immersed in the region’s diverse music, dance, folk traditions and contemporary expressions.

OCTAVE a finest example of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’: Diya Kumari

The chief guest at the closing ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Finance and Culture Diya Kumari, said India’s true cultural strength lies in its diverse folk traditions, languages, music, dance, art forms and ways of life.

She said the Northeast represents a rich and vibrant chapter of this diversity, while OCTAVE is a finest example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

Diya Kumari congratulated Dr Ashwin M. Dalvi, Director, West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, for successfully organising the festival. Dr Dalvi felicitated her with a shawl. RIC Director N.C. Goyal was also present.

‘Jai Ho’ in 16 voices, a cappella performance wins applause

The choir of 16 singers, directed by Lipokmar, captivated the audience with renditions of Jai Ho and Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale, drawing listeners into a collective musical experience.

Lipokmar’s composition Mejemsangnar Narro, reflecting the cycle of flowers withering and blooming again, brought the rhythms of life to the stage. His composition Tabla, dedicated to the River Ganga, left the audience deeply moved.

A special highlight was an a cappella medley of popular ABBA songs, performed entirely through voices without instrumental accompaniment. The Prayer, carrying messages of hope, peace, compassion and faith, also made a lasting impression.

The collaboration between the choir group and Alobo Naga and the Band brought together traditional and contemporary sounds, prompting the audience to sway to the energetic rhythms.

Northeast India comes alive through folk rhythms

The concluding evening featured a vibrant series of traditional performances. Singhi Chham brought Sikkim’s mythical snow lions to life on stage, while Pung Cholom showcased the rhythmic and spiritual traditions of Manipur.

Assam’s Bihu captured the joy of Rongali Bihu and the exuberance of spring through lively dance movements.

With vibrant colours, rhythmic beats, expressive movements and traditional melodies, OCTAVE 2026 drew to a close, but the cultural impressions of Northeast India continued to resonate with the Jaipur audience.

The closing ceremony was hosted by Mohita Dixit and Gaurav Sharma.