'Leirang' brings NE culture to life in Chandigarh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 29 2025: A vibrant showcase of Northeast India's rich culture and heritage came alive on Saturday with "Leirang - Flavour of the Northeast," a festival held at Bal Bhavan, Sector 23, Chandigarh.

The event, organised by ARKAY Foundation (A Foundation for the Uplift of LGBT), was aimed at bridging the cultural gaps and challenge stereotypes by highlighting the diverse traditions of the region.

In a statement, the foundation informed the festival was part of a larger initiative to promote awareness about the Northeast, a region often misunderstood due to limited knowledge among people in other parts of the country.

'Leirang' brings NE culture to life in Chandigarh

"Leirang is more than just a festival - it is a celebration of the beauty and uniqueness of the Northeast through its traditional dance, music, attire, food and lifestyle," ARKAY explained.

The day-long event opened with a colourful display of traditional dance performances led by Guru Dr Manju and his students from Manipur.

This was followed by live musical acts by popular artistes from the region, including RJAY, Felix & Len, Sorri Senjam and the Kok Band, who brought the crowd to their feet with their lively and soulful performances.

A standout moment of the evening was a fashion show featuring traditional dresses and costumes designed by Arbind Tonjam.

His collection reflected the cultural essence of various northeastern communities and was met with thunderous applause from the audience.

The showstopper of the fashion segment was Manipuri film actor Soma Laishram, who stunned onlookers in a traditional bridal outfit known as Potloi, captivating the audience with her grace and poise.

The festival attracted a diverse crowd from across the city and served as a platform for cultural exchange, promoting unity in diversity while celebrating the Northeast's unique identity, the statement added.