Imphal, February 27, 2010: A two-day IGNCA International Festival of Dance participated by dancers from South East Asian Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Bali and Java and eight states of North East India began here in Imphal Saturday.

Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dr S Budhichandra who graced the inaugural function said that the festival will bring closure ties between the country, particularly the north eastern states, and the South Asian countries.

The festival is organised as part of the cultural dialogue with India and South East Asian Countries under country�s Look East Policy, according to the general coordinator Dr Lokendro Arambam of the IGNCA International between North East India and South East Asia.

There are various similarities between people settling in the north eastern region of the country with that of people of South East Asian countries in terms of traditions and culture.

Their food habits are also resemblance, the Speaker said.

Manipur is considered to be the gate way to South Asian countries.

The Look East Policy of the country which aimed at bringing closure countries of South East Asian will give a golden chance to the state in development in all aspects, he hoped.

On the first day of the festival, dances of Thailand, Bali, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim staged at the auditorium of JN Dance Academy attracted the audience in their hundreds.

Not only cultural dance troupes from South East Asian Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Bali and Java, eight troupes from the North Eastern States of India are also taking part in the two day long festival.

The festival is organising to strengthen the relationship among other countries and it will be held in five cities, Guwahati, Shillong, Agartala and Dimapur in series.

The inaugural function was also attended by former vice-chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University AC Bhagawati as president of the function, coordinator of the organising committee, Dr Lokendro Arambam, Embassy of Khamer arts, Chum Chanveasna, associate professor of Instute Denpasar Bali, Nyoman Sedani, lecturer of dance Indonesia Institute of Seni, Margaretha Honi Winahyunignsih and associate professor of Thailand Chulalongkorn University, Pornrat Damrhung as guests of honour.