Guwahati: The North East Zone Cultural Centre, an autonomous organisation set up by the Centre, is organising the Shipgram Mahotsav, a national-level festival from January 17 to 20 at Shilpgram here to safeguard and promote the cultural heritage of the northeastern states.

Artistes and craftsmen from all over the country will participate in the festival.

The main focus of the festival will be a children's talent show, magic show, painting and drawing workshop, vanishing art, folk dances and music, mime show, classical dance by Sonal Mansingh, and fusion songs and music by various popular artistes from Assam. The entry will be free and open to all from 11am to 9.30pm.

"The primary objectives of preservation, promotion and dissemination of folk art and culture of the region within and outside the region has been achieved to a great extent since its inception and more so during the recent years by the North East Zone Cultural Centre under the auspices of the Union ministry of culture," said Jitul Sonowal of the centre.

It has organised a number of craft fairs to showcase the rich heritage of art and culture of the state. It also organises cultural shows with artistes from all over the country on an open-air stage.

Media coordinator Naba Kumar Bharali said the festival has been organised every year.

"We have many cultures from different tribes but only a few are known to the people. Entry is free so that every class of people can come and enjoy. We have targeted mainly youths and therefore organised many children's activities as well," said Bharali.