Imphal, March 29 2025: The five-day North East Dance and Music Festival, organised by Rhythms of Manipur with financial support from the Ministry of Culture, concluded on Friday with a captivating folk music performance by talented young artiste Thongam Loijingkhombi and her group.

Ningthoujam Munish, regional director (North East) Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Guwahati and Shillong, under the Ministry of External Affairs, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest.

As part of the concluding event, Loijingkhombi and her team, accompanied by musicians from Rhythms of Manipur, performed two traditional folk songs (Khu-nung Eshei) titled 'Yaipal Seithaba' and 'Lashing Lei Seithaba', both composed by renowned folk singer and composer Thongam Gotshe Meitei.

The audience was enthralled by Loijingkhombi's melodious voice, responding with enthusiastic applause that resonated throughout the auditorium.

Speaking on the occasion, regional director Munish lauded the contributions of Rhythms of Manipur to the world of music, recognising its achievements over the past few decades in both performance and event organisation.

He acknowledged the group as a true cultural ambassador of Manipur and India and commended Loijingkhombi and her group for their outstanding folk music performance.

The festival featured a diverse array of performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the North East.

Highlights included a Sat-triya dance recital by Usha Rani Baishya from Guwahati, Assam; Langden drum performance by junior drummers of Rhythms of Manipur; Kartal Cholom by Shri Hari Nata Sankirtana Academy; Pena Eshei by Yeningkol Seidam Shang; Manipuri folk dance by Lianda Folk and Classical Academy; Dhol Dholok Cholom by Guru Kulla Cultural Academy; a fusion music performance by Rhythms of Manipur; and Tangkhul folk music presented by Padma Shri awardee Guru Rewben Mashangva.