National News 2025-09-18

Northeast India Festival 2025 to be Held in Singapore from 19–21 September

-Celebrating 60 Years of India–Singapore Ties with Trade, Tourism, and Culture

The much-anticipated 4th Northeast India Festival (NEIF) 2025 will open tomorrow, 19 September, at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 404–405, bringing an immersive celebration of India’s Northeast to the heart of Singapore. Marking the 60th anniversary of India–Singapore diplomatic ties and the India–ASEAN Year of Tourism, this landmark event blends high-level exchanges with vibrant cultural showcases, aiming to position Northeast India as India’s natural bridge to Southeast Asia.

The inaugural session tomorrow evening, attended by policymakers, and senior officials from the North Eastern states, alongside Singapore Government leaders, diplomats, and industrialists, will set the stage for deeper dialogue on trade, connectivity, and cultural cooperation. Special interaction organised with top Industry leaders of Singapore for trade and investment.

A Festival of Business and Culture:

From 20–21 September, the Festival will host its main programmes, open to the public and free of entry. The Trade and Tourism Exhibition (11 AM – 10 PM) will spotlight Northeast India’s diverse offerings — from GI-tagged agri-horticulture and organic products to Assam tea experiences, handloom and handicrafts by award-winning artisans, and a Tourism Pavilion showcasing signature destinations and festivals. An interaction is organised with top Industrialists of Singapore for promoting investment in the region. The sessions will be attended by top policymakers of the region will have one to one interactions with top industrialists of Singapore.

Complementing the exhibits, exclusive B2B meets on Tourism and Trade (20 September) will convene leading tour operators, buyers, and entrepreneurs from India and Singapore to forge new partnerships in hospitality, agriculture, textiles, and creative sectors.

Evenings at the Festival will be a cultural spectacle. On 20 September, a grand folk, cultural, and fashion showcase (3 PM – 9:45 PM) will feature traditional dances such as Bihu, Sattriya, Hojagiri, and Nagaland’s War Dance, performances by diaspora groups in Singapore, and a tribute and book release on Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Top designers including Bompi Riram (Arunachal Pradesh), Chimi Ongmu Bhutia (Sikkim), Daniel Syiem (Meghalaya), and Arbin Tonjam (Manipur) will present collections, while the evening will culminate with a performance by Bollywood star Zubeen Garg with his band.

On 21 September, the final day, audiences can look forward to another line-up of fashion, folk dances, and contemporary music, with standout acts from Tripura rapper Borkung Hrangkhawl and Meghalaya’s Meba Ofilia, alongside vibrant designer showcases from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.

Strengthening ASEAN Links:

The Festival builds on the success of earlier editions held in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, extending the Northeast India–ASEAN connect to Singapore. It reflects India’s Act East Policy and a growing emphasis on regional entrepreneurship, tourism promotion, and cultural diplomacy.

Speaking ahead of the Festival, Mr. Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organiser of the Northeast India Festival, said: “This Festival is not just an exhibition of culture or trade — it is a statement of intent. Northeast India is ready to engage with Southeast Asia in a sustained and meaningful way. Singapore, with its dynamic ecosystem, offers the ideal platform to showcase our artisans, entrepreneurs, musicians, and designers. We are confident that the Northeast India Festival will create opportunities for collaboration that go beyond these three days and foster long-term partnerships between our region and ASEAN.”

As delegations and performers arrive in Singapore, the Suntec Convention Centre readies itself to host what promises to be one of the most significant cross-cultural and economic events connecting India and Southeast Asia in recent years.

Event Details:

• Dates: 19–21 September 2025

• Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 404–405

• Entry: Inaugural Session & B2B Meets – by invitation; Exhibitions & Cultural Programs – free entry, open to all

Bureau Chief Mahesh Chandra - Delhi

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Date: 25-05-2026