The highly anticipated 4th Northeast India Festival (NEIF) 2025 begins today at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre (Halls 404-405), celebrating the vibrant culture, trade, and tourism of Northeast India in the heart of Singapore.

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism, this significant event combines high-level exchanges with cultural exhibits, positioning Northeast India as India’s natural bridge to Southeast Asia.

The inaugural session will see participation from senior policymakers and officials from the North Eastern states, alongside Singapore Government leaders, diplomats, and industrialists, setting the stage for deeper dialogue on trade, connectivity, and cultural cooperation.

From September 20–21, the Festival will host its main programmes, open to the public and free of charge. Highlights include:
• Trade and Tourism Exhibition (11 AM – 10 PM): Featuring GI-tagged agri-horticulture and organic products, Assam tea experiences, award-winning handloom and handicrafts, and a Tourism Pavilion showcasing signature destinations and festivals.
• B2B Meets on Tourism and Trade (September 20): Bringing together leading tour operators, buyers, and entrepreneurs from India and Singapore to forge new partnerships across hospitality, agriculture, textiles, and creative sectors.
• Industrialists’ Interaction: Exclusive networking sessions between top policymakers from Northeast India and leading Singaporean industrialists to explore investment opportunities in the region.

The cultural and fashion showcases are set to be a major highlight of the event. On September 20, from 3 PM to 9:45 PM, audiences can look forward to vibrant performances such as Bihu, Sattriya, Hojagiri, and Nagaland’s War Dance. Additionally, there will be cultural troupes from the diaspora in Singapore, along with a special tribute and book release honoring Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Fashion presentations featuring renowned designers such as Bompi Riram from Arunachal Pradesh, Chimi Ongmu Bhutia from Sikkim, Daniel Syiem from Meghalaya, and Arbin Tonjam from Manipur will highlight the creativity of the region. The evening will conclude with a spectacular live performance by Bollywood star Zubeen Garg and his band.

On September 21, the final day of the event, the stage will showcase an exciting line-up of fashion, folk dances, and contemporary music. Highlights will include performances by Tripura’s renowned rapper Borkung Hrangkhawl, emerging star Parmita Reang, and Meghalaya’s Meba Ofilia. Additionally, there will be designer showcases from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.

Building on the success of previous editions in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, the Festival expands the Northeast India–ASEAN connection to Singapore, reinforcing India’s Act East Policy and its commitment to entrepreneurship, tourism promotion, and cultural diplomacy.