Panaji: November 11, 2017 …. Governor, Smt Mridula Sinha recently inaugurated “OCTAVE 2017” a five day cultural extravaganza showcasing arts and crafts from the North Eastern States at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao in presence of Minister, Art and Curlture, Shri Govind Gaude; Leader of Opposition, Shri Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar; Chairperson, Margao Municipal Council, Dr Babita Angle Prabhudessai; Shri Gurudas Pilarnkar, Director, Art and Curlture; Shri Furqan Khan, Director, West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur and Shri Prashant Naik, Chairman, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
This festival of art and culture is organised in collaboration by Ministry of Culture, Government of India; West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur; North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur and Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa. This festival will provide right platform to the artists and artisans of the North East region to project their rich cultural heritage. This National level event is aimed at bridging the gap prevailing in the rest of the Country in creating awareness about the rich cultural heritage and expressions of the North Eastern States which includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
After inaugurating the festival by lighting traditional lamp Governor, Smt Mridula Sinha said, this festival will give an opportunity to the people of Goa to have a glimpse of the art and culture of the North Eastern States. Decades passed but People of India have not forgotten their rich tradition and cultural heritage in addition, they have protected and nourished their tradition and art and culture, Smt Sinha said. India believes in ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ which means World as one family. India has vibrant, rich and aesthetic culture, Smt Sinha concluded.
Shri Govind Gaude said events like OCTAVE helps in national integration and cultural exchanges within States. While underlining the need to preserve the rich cultural heritage Shri Gaude said Government is working tirelessly to protect and flourish the tradition and culture of the State.
Around 350 to 400 artists will be presenting folk culture, classical music, dance, cuisine, handicrafts, fine art, fashion show, rock music etc. Also the craft fair of North Eastern States will be exhibited during the festival days from 3.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Festival will conclude on October 12, 2017.
