New Delhi, Sep 9 (PTI) A two-day festival to promote the art, culture, heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, business and tourism of North East India was inaugurated here today. Also Read - Smart City Index 2020: Indian Cities Drop in Global Smart City Index; Singapore On Top

‘North East Calling’, organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under its ‘Destination North East’ series, is showcasing the rich heritage of the seven sisters through their music, dance, art and craft. Also Read - Monsoon Session Day 2: Lok Sabha Passes Essential Commodities Bill to Raise Farmer Income, Boost Agri Sector | Highlights

A music festival with bands playing music from the region, along with a cultural night featuring dances of the north-eastern states have been organised as part of the festival. Also Read - International Flights: Air India Plans To Operate Special Flight From Basra To New Delhi On September 17 | Details Here

Jitendra Singh, who inaugurated the festival at the India Gate lawns here, appealed to the public to come and visit the festival and understand the richness of culture of North East.

“Such events will not only enrich the economy and culture of North Eastern region, but will also bring the rest of India more closer to the North East.

“These events, that too in the heart of National Capital, help the artisans and people of North East to showcase their talent,” he said.

The development, upliftment and growth of North East has been on the priority of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.

Singh also launched ‘North East Venture Fund’, a joint initiative of Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd, that seeks to promote entrepreneurship and start-ups in the region.

The North East Tourism Development Council to promote sustainable tourism in North East India, was also launched.

“The focus has not only been bringing North East closer to the rest of country, but also to bring rest of India closer to the North East,” he said.

The festival also features a handloom demo show, exhibiting the clothes of North-East, as well as a range of food stalls serving delicacies from the seven states.

This is published unedited from the PTI feed.