Members of the Northeast Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom came together to celebrate the region’s rich cultural diversity at the United Colours of North East India Festival 2026, held at the Indian Gymkhana Club, London, on July 11.
Organised by North East Indians in UK (NEIUK) with support from Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the volunteer-led festival brought together communities from all eight Northeastern states in a celebration of their shared heritage and identity.
The festival featured traditional cuisine, folk music, live performances, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and cultural displays, attracting more than 500 attendees. Organisers said the event aimed to showcase Northeast India’s unique cultural heritage to an international audience while strengthening ties within the diaspora.
Representing Meghalaya, Susan Nonsieg said the festival brought a part of the region’s heritage to the world and promoted cross-cultural understanding. Thoiba Thoudam of Manipur said the initiative was conceived as a platform to unite people from Northeast India and friends of the region through culture, food and music.
Organisers noted that the event also helped address misconceptions about Northeast India and served as a networking platform for professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, students and families living in the UK.
They described the festival as the first event of its kind in London to celebrate all eight Northeastern states on such a large scale, highlighting the enthusiastic participation of second-generation diaspora members as a positive step towards preserving the region’s cultural legacy.