In a continuing effort to encourage tourism across the country, the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has joined hands with the North East Festival for a second year in a row, to create national awareness about a region rich in culture, tradition and a populace of vibrant individuals.

Along with a host of Bollywood starlets, also joining the celebrations in the evening will be political leaders of North-East India and other Bureaucrats.  

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, there is a musical evening lined up with Grammy Award nominee -  the Monks of Bomdilla, famous folk singer of MTV – Moa the Abiogenisis, Violinist – Sunita Khound, Vocalist – Anaya Brahma and showcasing ethnic fashion, fashion designer Vaishali from Maharashtra.

Here is a brief rundown of the artists:

THE MONK OF BOMDILA

It was in Drepung Loseling monastery that Tashi had his first brush with multi-phonic chanting or the one-voice chant, as it is more commonly known. Thought to arise only from the throat of a person who has realized selfless wisdom, throat or multi-phonic chanting is defined as multiple tones emanating from a single larynx.Tashi got the opportunity to perform the famous Buddhist chant in front of the entire world, and also with top celebrities throughout the globe.Grammy Award Nominee, The monk, who has toured the world with his chants and shared the musical stage with the likes of REM’s Michael Stipe, Sheryl Crow and Patti Smith, only chants to spread good karma across the world and bring his listeners some peace of mind. Tashi’s ‘deep voice’ chant is his specialty.

ABIOGENISIS

Abiogenesis is a folk-fusion act that hails from Nagaland, India. It’s no surprise then that their sound can be exotic. Abiogenesis reinvented version of folk music is called “Howey Music.” Blending classical Naga folk elements from India and modern music, the result is offbeat, unique, and completely enchanting. Supporting their new style of music, and enhancing the cleverly-shifting melodies of the modern guitar compositions, is the addition of the newly invented Bamhum. The band's action-packed shows and positive do-or-die attitude is something to watch out for.

ANAYA BRAHMA (Vocalist)

Anaya Brahma graduated in Indian Classical music from SNDT University, Mumbai. She also trained in the rich tradition of Hindustani vocal classical singing from her Guru Shri Pusparanjan Dey in the Northeast Indian state of Assam. She has performed in many national and international musical shows along with various renowned actors, musicians and singers, including Shaan, Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet and Sivamani.

SUNITA KHAUND (Violinist)

Sunita Khaund dazzles with a master’s degree in Hindustani Music and as a disciple of the late violin maestro Pandit V G Jog. A recipient of the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Music, she is that rare performer who blends skill and a nuanced understanding of music with spunk on stage. Her musical range is breathtakingly wide, from pure classical music to a wide range of light melodies that fuse jazz, folk and a host of other influences to create a distinctive sound. Her album, ‘Bihu Strings’, explores the classical and world music influences in North-Eastern folk music.