facebook

Manipur: CoTU to reopen Gamgiphai checkpoint to monitor Meitei movement

Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has announced the implementation of strict measures to prevent infiltration during movements and the trafficking of Meitei individuals. The committee will monitor by reopening a checkpoint at Gamgiphai in the Kangpokpi district located on National Highway 102, which connects Imphal and Dimapur. The decision follows a recent road [] The post Manipur: CoTU to reopen Gamgiphai checkpoint to monitor Meitei movement appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 13 Apr 2025 11:55 am

Kuki militant held

One Kuki militant who was involved in extortion of money from vehicles plying on Imphal Dimapur highway was arrested yesterday from near Trends Mall under Kangpokpi police station The arrested person has been identified as Hensonpiek Vaiphei alias Henson 23 from Singda Kuki village, presently staying at Thingkangphai relief camp, Churachandpur He was arrested by security forces while extorting money from the driver of a loaded truck near Trends Mall along Imphal Dimapur highway The arrested person has been handed over to Kangpokpi police station, sources said Source The Sangai Express

E-Pao 13 Apr 2025 6:35 am

Nagas will not allow what is not right: NSCN-IM

DIMAPUR, April 11: In its latest news bulletinNagalim Voice, the NSCN-IM said that Nagas have had enough of the Government of India imposing deplorable and barbarous acts to suppress and oppress the legitimate rights of the Nagas. What is not right, Nagas will not allow,come what may, the NSCN-IM asserted. TheNSCN-IM bulletin said that it []

thehillstimes 12 Apr 2025 6:20 am

Nagaland: Naga groups rally against Indo-Myanmar border fencing

Dimapur: The Angami Public Organisation (APO), uniting with all Naga tribe units in Kohima held a public rally in the state capital Kohima of Nagaland on Wednesday demanding an immediate halt on Indo-Myanmar border fencing. The unified front also demanded the immediate restoration of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the international border in its [] The post Nagaland: Naga groups rally against Indo-Myanmar border fencing appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 9 Apr 2025 8:28 pm

Manipur police arrests suspected extortion aide in Kangpokpi

Imphal: The Anti-Extortion Unit of the Manipur Police Commandos, along with central security forces, arrested a 27-year-old man for allegedly assisting underground groups in extorting money from transport vehicles along National Highway-102, which connects Imphal to Dimapur in Nagaland. The arrest took place during a patrol operation near PK Workshop, under the jurisdiction of Kangpokpi [] The post Manipur police arrests suspected extortion aide in Kangpokpi appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 9 Apr 2025 8:06 am

Nagaland: Rally against Indo-Myanmar border fencing in Kohima

Dimapur: The Angami Public Organisation (APO), along with all Naga tribe units in Kohima, has called a public rally in Kohima town on April 9 in protest against the Indo-Myanmar border fencing and other related issues. The rally will begin at the Old MLA Hostel junction at 10 am. APO president Thejao Vihienuo will deliver [] The post Nagaland: Rally against Indo-Myanmar border fencing in Kohima appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 8 Apr 2025 6:14 pm

NSF asks its units not to cooperate with Indian armed forces until repealed

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, April 7: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Monday asked its federating units and subordinate bodies to strictly enforce its standing policy of total non-cooperation with the Indian armed forces until the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is repealed in toto from the Naga homeland. Strongly condemning the extension of the []

thehillstimes 8 Apr 2025 6:50 am

Nagaland: NSF calls for non-cooperation with Indian Forces

Dimapur: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Monday, urged its federating units and subordinate bodies to enforce a total non-cooperation policy with the Indian armed forces until the centre fully repealed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland. In a press statement, NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo [] The post Nagaland: NSF calls for non-cooperation with Indian Forces appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 7 Apr 2025 8:03 pm

Nagaland University gets IKS Research Centre

Dimapur: The Union education ministry has sanctioned an Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Research Centre for Nagaland University. The centre will study indigenous knowledge systems of water management in agriculture and ethnic culinary practices among the tribal communities of Nagaland. It will also explore knowledge on water conservation, storage, and utilization that are passed down from [] The post Nagaland University gets IKS Research Centre appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 7 Apr 2025 7:11 pm

Artistes enthrall Dimapurians through musical play based on Esther The Frontier Manipur

Artistes enthrall Dimapurians through musical play based on EstherThe Frontier Manipur

Manipur 7 Apr 2025 4:06 am

RPP seeks list of beneficiaries for distribution of rice in Nagaland

Dimapur: The Rising Peoples Party (RPP) on Sunday urged the Nagaland food and civil supplies department to publicize the list of beneficiaries for the distribution of rice under the tide-over category within 10 days in the interest of transparency and accountability. In a release, the party said the matter is serious as the issue pertains [] The post RPP seeks list of beneficiaries for distribution of rice in Nagaland appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 6 Apr 2025 5:42 pm

Nagaland CM Rio inaugurates Konyak heritage complex

Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Konyak heritage complex at Leangha village in Mon district during the Konyak Aoleang Monyu festival as the special guest on Saturday. Union Minister of state for education and development of Northeastern region Sukanta Majumdar was the honoured guest of the occasion. In his address, Rio thanked all [] The post Nagaland CM Rio inaugurates Konyak heritage complex appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 5 Apr 2025 9:02 pm

Nagaland: Balance modernity with rich traditions, says Deputy CM Zeliang

Dimapur: Nagaland deputy chief minister TR Zeliang on Saturday called for balancing modernity with rich traditions, language, and heritage, calling it of utmost importance. At the end of the day, it is our culture and identity that defines us. And if we lose it, we lose ourselves, Zeliang said. Deputy CM Zeliang was addressing the [] The post Nagaland: Balance modernity with rich traditions, says Deputy CM Zeliang appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 5 Apr 2025 6:14 pm

Nagaland health dept initiates steps to revolutionise digital health ecosystem

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, April 4: Nagalands health and family welfare department venture has initiated new steps to revolutionise digital health ecosystem in the state. In this direction, the department organised a two-day meeting with regional adviser for digital health at WHO, South-East Asia Region Office (SEARO), Dr Karthik Adapa at its directorate from April 2 []

thehillstimes 5 Apr 2025 6:25 am

NPCC condemns attack on Catholic priests in MP

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, April 3: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Thursday strongly condemned what it called the reprehensible attack on Catholic priests and laity by Hindutva extremists in Jabalpur on March 31. The act of violence perpetrated against members of the Christian community, including the physical assault on Father Davis and Father George []

thehillstimes 4 Apr 2025 6:50 am

Nagaland Jobs : CCRH Dimapur Recruitment 2025

Applications are invited for recruitment of various project based positions or jobs in CCRH Dimapur Nagaland in 2025. Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) Dimapur Nagaland is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of Junior Research Fellow (Homoeo) purely on contract basis in 2025. Central Council for Research [] The post Nagaland Jobs : CCRH Dimapur Recruitment 2025 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 3 Apr 2025 3:13 pm

Nagaland CM announces initiatives to promote sports in state

DIMAPUR, April 2: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced three major initiatives specially focused to nurture young local talent and promote the sporting landscape in the state. The initiatives are Nagaland Football Academy, The Chief Ministers Sports Scholarships and Nagaland International Gold Cup. Rio made the announcement during the valedictory function of the maiden Nagaland []

thehillstimes 3 Apr 2025 6:20 am

Nagaland: Kohima imposes restrictions on sale of schedule X, H, and H1 drugs

Dimapur: The Kohima district administration on Wednesday issued strict regulations on the sale of Schedule X, H, and H1 drugs by pharmacies and medical stores in Kohima, Nagaland. In the order, Kohima DC B Henok Buchem said pharmacies and medical stores could sell the restricted drugs based on a valid prescription from a registered medical [] The post Nagaland: Kohima imposes restrictions on sale of schedule X, H, and H1 drugs appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 2 Apr 2025 8:41 pm

Nagaland PCC denounces naming of varsity library after RSS founder

Dimapur: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday strongly denounced the decision of the International University Dimapur, formerly The Global Open University Nagaland, to name its recently inaugurated central library after Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Stating it a divisive act of the International University, the NPPC, in a [] The post Nagaland PCC denounces naming of varsity library after RSS founder appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 2 Apr 2025 8:07 pm

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan opens shelter home for homeless in Dimapur

Dimapur: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on Monday inaugurated a shelter home for beggars and homeless at the IHSDP complex, Netaji Colony, Dimapur. The shelter home is a noble initiative by Hope Channel Dimapur under the motto manna for the soul. This project is not just about providing roofs over heads; it is about restoring dignity, [] The post Nagaland Governor La Ganesan opens shelter home for homeless in Dimapur appeared first on NorthEast Now .

NorthEast Now 1 Apr 2025 6:28 pm

Assam: Illegal earth cutting

HT Correspondent BOKAJAN, March 30: Anti Corruption Youth Power of Assam (ACYPA), Karbi Anglong submitted a memorandum to the Bokajan (C) SDO regarding the use of excavators to illegally cut earth in Bokajan area. President of ACYPA, Karbi Anglong, Citra Baruah said people from Dimapur, Nagaland, come with excavators and dumper trucks and cut earth []

thehillstimes 31 Mar 2025 1:35 am

AFSPA extended for six months in Manipur, parts of Nagaland, Arunachal

NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers and immunity from prosecution unless approved by the Centre, was on Sunday extended for six months in entire Manipur, except the jurisdictions of 13 police stations, in view of the law and order situation there. The AFSPA, under which a particular state or some areas are declared disturbed, has also been extended to eight districts in Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state for six months, according to a notification issued by the Union home ministry. The law was also extended to Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and three police station areas in Namsai district in the state for six months beginning April 1 after a review of the law and order situation in these northeastern states. The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary. Whereas the central government after review of the law and order situation in the state of Manipur, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) declares the entire state of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the following 13 (thirteen) police stations of 5 districts, as 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 01.04.2025, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification related to Manipur read. The police station areas in Manipur where the AFSPA will not be in force are: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi in Imphal West district, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung in Imphal East district, Thoubal in Thoubal district and Bishnupur and Nambol in Bishnupur district and Kakching in Kakching district. Manipur has been under President's rule since February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was heading a BJP-led government, resigned on February 9 following ethnic violence that claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. The disturbed area declaration was in force in the entire Manipur (except the Imphal municipality area) from 2004 till early 2022. In April 2022, the Manipur government issued a notification where it said that disturbed area will no longer be applicable in seven police station areas of Imphal West district, four police station areas under the Imphal East district and one police station area each in the districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam. There are 16 districts in Manipur. In October 2024, the Manipur government reimposed AFSPA in the entire state, barring 19 police station areas A month later, the AFSPA was also extended in six of the 19 police station areas after violence broke out in Jiribam district. More than 260 people were killed and thousands left homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. In a separate notification, the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken. After that, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland were declared as 'disturbed area' under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier. The areas in Nagaland declared as 'disturbed area' under AFSPA for six months fall within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki 'C' police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, according to the notification. A third notification issued by the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has also been undertaken. Therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the State of Assam, are declared as 'disturbed area' under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for six months with effect from April 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier, it said. There have been protests and demands for the complete withdrawal of the law from the Northeast as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Manipuri activist Irom Chanu Sharmila fought against the law by remaining on hunger strike for 16 years, before ending it on August 9, 2016. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent of the areas in the northeastern states even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah had also said that the central government would consider revoking AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir.

The New Indian Express 30 Mar 2025 5:09 pm

Handloom expo in Kohima village exhibits indigenous textiles, handicrafts

Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 27: Featuring an exhibit of indigenous textiles and handicrafts, a 13-day state handloom expo began in Kohima village ground on Thursday. The event is designed to promote the handloom and handicraft sector, bringing together artisans and weavers from across Nagaland and other states to display their craftsmanship and market their products. The []

thehillstimes 28 Mar 2025 6:50 am

NITI Ayog holds regional workshop on public health in Nagaland

Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 26: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Nagaland government, organised a regional workshop on public health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for the north eastern states, named a NeVolution initiative, at Chumoukedima on Wednesday. During the workshop, NITI Ayog addressed the regions most pressing public health challenges related to water, sanitation, hygiene, []

thehillstimes 28 Mar 2025 6:40 am

Nagaland University researchers, local community collaborate to conserve Indigenous fish species

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 26: Researchers at Nagaland University have collaborated with the local community to study and conserve indigenous fish species in Dikhu river in Nagaland. The river, one of the most important tributaries of the Brahmaputra, flows through Nagaland and is home to many freshwater species crucial for local biodiversity and the economy. []

thehillstimes 27 Mar 2025 6:45 am

NSCN-IM accuses BSF of transporting illegal immigrants

DIMAPUR, March 26: The NSCN-IM has accused the Border Security Force (BSF) of transporting unidentified illegal immigrants from Churachandpur district and dropping them at Litan village areas where there are few Kuki villages surrounding the Litan in Ukhrul district. In a press statement issued to media houses today, the NSCN-IM asserted that it will not []

thehillstimes 27 Mar 2025 6:35 am

Nagaland Guv urges CSOs to partner with govt for dev works

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 25: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on Tuesday urged civil society organisations to partner with the government in taking forward developmental works in the state. Ganesan said this at a meeting at multi-training centre Tamlu during his visit to Tamlu subdivision under Longleng district. The meeting was attended by the officials of []

thehillstimes 26 Mar 2025 6:30 am

NPCC demands immediate appointment to vacant posts in medical dept

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 24: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Monday demanded the immediate appointment of 288 vacant posts, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, in the states health and family welfare department, citing an acute shortage of medical personnel in state-run hospitals. Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan Dimapur, Meshenlo []

thehillstimes 25 Mar 2025 6:55 am

12 Kohima villages declared as TB-free

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 24: Twelve villages in Kohima district have been declared as TB-free, standing out among 58 villages in the district. These villages were given the recognition for their outstanding efforts in combating the disease on World Tuberculosis Day 2025 on Monday, marking a significant milestone in Kohima. With the vision of becoming []

thehillstimes 25 Mar 2025 6:45 am

Mobile operation theatre camp launched at Noklak

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 24: Nagaland Chief Ministers Mobile Operation Theatre (CMMOT) camp, headed by MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, launched in remote Noklak district hospital on Monday to provide medical services to those in need. Speaking at the launching programme, Rhutso said the CMOT is a programme to reach out to all who are in []

thehillstimes 25 Mar 2025 6:40 am

Nagaland assembly should lead Naga peace talks: RPP

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, March 16: The Rising Peoples Party (NPP) on Sunday proposed that the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) lead the Naga peace talks as the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) had their chance to settle the Naga issue. In a joint statement, RPP president Joel Naga, general secretary Amai Chingkhu and Rising Youth president []

thehillstimes 17 Mar 2025 6:20 am

Manipur remains tense for the second day of Kuki groups' indefinite protest against Shah's 'free movement' directive

IMPHAL: Normal life was affected in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur on Sunday as agitators enforced an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups against a crackdown by security forces. The situation in Kangpokpi district, where at least one person was killed and 40 others were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces on the previous day, remained tense on Sunday. In other Kuki-dominated areas in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts as well, protesters burnt tyres and blocked roads with boulders, which the security forces were seen clearing. However, no fresh violence has been reported so far. Business establishments remained closed and few vehicles were seen plying the roads in Kuki-dominated areas in the state. Agitators were seen asking people to remain indoors. Additional security forces have been deployed in Gamghiphai and other parts of the district along the NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) and vehicular patrolling was being conducted to ensure law and order, a district official said. A protester was killed while over 40 others, including women and policemen, were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in different parts of Kangpokpi district on Saturday, officials said. Clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in the Kuki-dominated district after police fired tear gas shells to disperse them, as they opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive allowing free movement across the state. Protesters clashed with security forces till late on Saturday night as the agitators used catapults against the law enforcers, he said, adding windshields of at least five vehicles of the security forces were damaged. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo body, extended support to the indefinite shutdown called by Kuki Zo Council (KZC) in all areas inhabited by the community in Manipur to protest the crackdown of security forces on demonstrators protesting free movement along all roads in the ethnic strife-torn state. In a statement, ITLF said, Yesterday, the Government of India's decision to allow the movement of Meiteis through Kuki-Zo areas led to agitation and protest in Kangpokpi... the security forces used excessive force on the protesters. Endorsing the indefinite shutdown called in all Kuki-Zo areas, ITLF asked everyone to adhere to the shutdown in solidarity. We respect everyone who came out to protest yesterday, the ITLF said. Manipur Police, in a statement, said 27 security personnel were injured in the clash between police and Kuki protesters who allegedly resorted to stone pelting and barricaded roads by putting up huge boulders, setting tyres on fire and felling trees. Amid the protests, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protesters towards the security forces, to which the security forces retaliated, the police claimed. Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protesters, 27 security forces personnel suffered injuries, including two critical injuries, the police said. The security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the anti-social elements. During the skirmish, 16 protesters were reportedly injured and one protester succumbed to injuries, it claimed. According to the police, it all started when a Manipur State Transport bus plied along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, a mob started pelting the vehicle with stones at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district prompting security forces to use tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowd. The protest was also directed against a march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation. The procession, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district. Police claimed that the procession was stopped as those taking it out did not have requisite permission. Shah had on March 1 directed security forces to ensure free movement of people on all routes in Manipur from March 8 and also called for strict action against those creating obstructions. The order bore significance as unhindered travel throughout the state has remained affected since ethnic violence broke out between the two communities in May 2023. The violence left over 250 people killed and thousands homeless since then. The Centre had imposed President's rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post leading to political uncertainty in the northeastern state. The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had on February 20 urged the people of the state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those giving up arms during this period. He later extended the deadline till 4 pm on March 6, following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for additional time.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2025 4:38 pm

MHA officials and NSCN-IM leaders meet in Dimapur, agree on fresh peace talks

Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the NSCN-IM leaders agreed to resume formal talks to address the Naga political issue after a meeting in Dimapur. Discussions included demands for a separate flag and constitution, which have been contentious points in the negotiations.

The Economic Times 22 Feb 2025 6:30 pm

Naga chef Yimshen Naro Jamir on her experiments with food

The chef owns and runs The Melding Pot, a continental restaurant in Dimapur, where she serves cuisines inspired by her travels the city, aiming to expand the citys culinary scope

The Hindu 8 Feb 2025 10:22 am

Manipur CM Requests Civil Aviation Minister Rising Air Fare From The State

Biren Singh spoke at the Alliance Air launch will connect Imphal with Kolkata, Guwahati, and Dimapur in Nagaland from Wednesday.

Bloomberg Quint 15 Jan 2025 4:34 pm

Assam Rifles foils major IED threat in Manipur's Churachandpur

Assam Rifles, along with other security forces, neutralised a major IED threat on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway in Manipur's Churachandpur district. They recovered explosives and materials near Leisang village. The operation ensured safety and security. Security measures have been strengthened on vulnerable routes, and multiple checkpoints have been installed to curb law violators.

The Economic Times 24 Dec 2024 10:06 pm

10-acre Kalagram along Ganga for Mahakumbh

NEW DELHI: For the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, a culture village, called Kalagram, will be set up on over 10 acres at Daraganj along the banks of the Ganga and it will have demarcated spaces for seven zonal cultural centres (ZCC), officials said. The marked areas are named aangans (courtyards), where the ministry of culture plans to showcase art and crafts from all member states and union territories (UT). Exhibitions on the theme of Kumbha, including an immersive display, food court, and activity areas will also be put up at the venue. The ambience creation of Kalagram will be done by an expert private agency in collaboration with artists of ZCCs and Lalit Kala Akademi. The participating ZCCs are located in Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). According to the officials, diverse art installations, including cultural, educational, and commercial exhibits, are also planned for an engaging visitor experience. Union tourism culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier told this newspaper that a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant and colourful customs, arts and crafts of the states, is planned at Mahakumbh starting January in Prayagraj. After the consultation with the Uttar Pradesh government, the ministry has got prime space allocated close to the main Mahakumbh Mela venue so that more visitors can witness the festivities, Shekhawat said. The authorities have also planned to place an installation on the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the venue. One of the highlights at Kalagram will be a Ganga pandal with capacity of 10,000 audiences by the Mela Authority. This will be the main arena, where celebrity performances will be held everyday. Additionally, three pandals with a space for 4,000 people will be erected at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil. There will also be another amphitheatre of 1,000 capacity at Kalagram, where Snageet Natak Akademi awardees artists, National School of Drama productions and ZCC ensembles will be organised, an official said. Apart from this, 20 stages will also be built throughout the city. They will be handed over to the UP culture department and the ministry of culture, the official added. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is gearing up to redefine the Mahakumbh experience with an innovative Gram Tent City initiative in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 14 to February 2025, is set to blend spirituality with modernity, providing a unique experience for millions of pilgrims. The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City plan, launched by IRCTC, aims to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.

The New Indian Express 21 Dec 2024 7:23 am