Northeast’s Rich Cultural Heritage Takes Centre Stage at WAVES 2025

The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, a landmark global event celebrating innovation and collaboration in the media and entertainment industry, is also poised to be a vibrant celebration of world culture. Among the most anticipated segments of the summit is the WAVES Culturals & Concerts, a four-day cultural extravaganza running from May 1–4, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai. The cultural spotlight will also shine brightly on Northeast India, presenting a rare and immersive showcase of the region’s rich artistic heritage and traditions.

Curated under the theme “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries,” the cultural programme includes mesmerizing performances from all eight northeastern states, offering audiences a unique journey through India’s diverse and vibrant cultural mosaic. From Assam, the revered Sattriya dance by the Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati and the celebratory tribal Gumrag harvest dance will enchant viewers. Meghalaya brings the energetic Wangala dance, a tribute to the sun god, while Sikkim offers the lively Tamang Selo and the majestic Singhi Chham — a snow lion dance with historical roots in the 18th century. Tripura’s famed Hojagiri dance will captivate with its gravity-defying balancing acts, and Manipur’s refined Manipuri dance recital by the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy will be complemented by the martial artistry of Thang-ta.

Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland to perform on opening day

Nagaland will open the cultural celebrations with the soulful harmonies of the Tetseo Sisters, preserving the Li folk tradition in the poetic Chokri dialect, along with Nzanta — a graceful group performance by the women of the Lotha Naga tribe. Mizoram’s Cheraw, popularly known as the bamboo dance, will offer a dynamic visual treat of coordination and rhythm, while Arunachal Pradesh will present the elegant Kaa Kingnara Kingnari, a peacock-inspired dance of mythic grace.

Presented in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Ministry of Culture, the Government of Maharashtra, and partners like YouTube, Spotify, and BookMyShow, WAVES 2025’s cultural programme reinforces the Summit’s commitment to showcasing the world’s artistic brilliance. The day-wise schedule of the performances can be seen in this calendar.