The Brhaddesi Sangeet Mahotsav organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi during this period was part of a series of festivals focusing on regional traditions of music. The first two events in the series, held last year, drew attention to the diverse musical streams in western and southern India,. The third event, held in Guwahati in February 2002, focused on the heritage of the eight north-eastern states of the Union” Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mozoram and Sikkim. The venues of the festival, held from 13 to 19 February 2002, were Rabindra Bhavan, Guwahati, and the lawns of the Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok. A seminar on the regional musical traditions of the North-east was held at the State Museum of Assam, Guwahati, from 14 to 20 February, the noted folklorist Komal Kothari, a Fellow of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, inaugurated the seminar. The mahotsav itself was inaugurated on 13 February by Shri Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam. The Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, collaborated with the Akademi in organizing the event. A large number of experts, scholars and representatives of various institutions committed to the promotion of traditional arts attended the seminar. It is hoped that the interest and information generated will help to promote a better understanding of the musical identity of the North-east.

The programme details are as follows:

Festival Programme 13-19 February 2002 Rabindra Bhavan, Guwahati

13 February Inauguration : Shri Tarun Gogoi

Borgeet : Mitali Dey and Group

Music of Tripura

Mamita Songs : Sabita Dev Barma & Hemanta Kumar Jamatia.

Jadu Kalija : Shambhuram Tripura & Swarna Kumari Deb Barma

Intrumental Ensemble

Tune of Tripuri Lokgeet : Rosem Daribu Chakma

Lokgeet : Anil Bikash Chakma

Folk Tune on Cornette : Chunu Mian

Hai – Hus Songs : Gunthupati Molsom

Lokgeet of Garo Community ‘Ajia’ : Thirola Barak

Sangrat Festival Song : Kairi Mog Chaudhuri

Bhatiali : Mohammad Khalek Mian

Instrumental Music : Saudagar Deb Barma (Dangdu) & Usharani Chakma (Hengnang)

Murshidi : Mahammad Chunu Mian

Lebang Boomani : Group Dance

Baul : Surendra Kumar Debnath

Jari : Mohammad Chunu Mian & Mohammad Khalekkk Mian

Instrumental Music : Different Types of Dhok & Kanshi

Music of Assam

Gayan Bayan : Bhabananda Hazarika, Uttar Kamlabari Sattra

Ojhapali (Suknani Ojha) : Lalitnath Ojha & Group

Ojhapali (Byabor Ojha): Dharmeswar Nath

Jyoti Sangeet : Dilip Sarma & Sudhakshina Sarma

Thiyanam : Basistha Deb Sharma of Barpeta Sattra

Kamrupia Lokgeet : Rameshwar Pathak & Group

Goalparia Lokgeet : Pratima Barua Pande

Tokari and Debabichar Geet : Khangen Gogoi & Group

Bhortal : Santosh Mazumdar of Barpeta Sattra

14 February

Music of Mizoram

Gospel Song : Besu Choir of Aizwal

Traditional Songs of Mizoram (Chong Chen Zai & Zau Zai) : Nalan Cultural Group

Instrumental Music on : (a) Tui um dar (b) Bangbun and (c) Lemlawi

Gospel Song

Mizo Lokgeet : Nalan Cultural Group

Bur Tingtang (string) : Zaihmingthanga

Phenglawng (Flute) : Henry Lalhmangaihzuala

Leng Khom Zai: (a) Thlang Khri (b) Ka Hoi Ngam Lo

Music on Traditional Instruments: (a) Tumkhit (b) Darbu Tum and (c)Rochem

Darmani Zai

Gospel: "Hallelujah"

Music of Meghalaya

Music of the traditional Wangala Festival of the Garos: Agat A Sangma & group

Azeya Song of the Garos : Jepson Sangma

Recital of Gungmina : Agat a. Sangma

Church Music of the Khasi Hills : by P. Ksoo

Skit - the sound of Khasi Drums : by Khomik Khongjirem

Traditional Daniya Song: by Agat A Sangma

Traditional Songs : Wilnan A Sangma & Group