More than 500 people turned up at the Indian Gymkhana Club in London on July 11 for the United Colours of Northeast India Festival 2026, where a small delegation from Arunachal Pradesh used a fashion show, food and film to put the state’s tribal heritage in front of an international crowd.

The festival, organised by North East Indians in UK (NEIUK) with backing from Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, head of Tripura’s erstwhile royal family, was volunteer-run and billed by organisers as the first large-scale event in London to bring together all eight Northeastern states under one roof. It featured folk music, traditional dance, regional cuisine and handloom exhibitions drawn from across the region.

Handwoven attire from five tribes on the ramp

Arunachal’s contingent was small but left an impression. A fashion segment showcased handwoven attire of the Monpa, Apatani, Adi, Galo and Nyishi communities, while a separate exhibition displayed handicrafts, bags and shirts made by Mishmi and Monpa artisans. The delegation also served cuisine from West Kameng and Tawang districts, screened a short tourism documentary on the state’s landscapes, and gave a presentation on Arunachal’s culture and heritage.

Dr Nama Tako, a first-time participant, described the experience as grounding. “The warm conversations and comforting food brought back the feeling of home, even while being miles away,” she said, adding that walking the ramp in traditional attire was “a wonderful experience.”

A platform for the wider diaspora

Representatives from other states framed the festival as bigger than any single community’s showcase. Meghalaya’s Susan Nonsieg said the event was about “turning our ancestral traditions into a bridge for cross-cultural learning,” while Manipur’s Thoiba Thoudam said it was conceived as a platform to bring the Northeast diaspora and the wider public together through food, music and craft. Organisers said the festival also aimed to counter misconceptions about the region and give professionals, students and families from the Northeast a space to network in the UK.

Organisers pointed to the turnout of second-generation diaspora members as one of the day’s highlights, saying they hoped events like this would encourage younger members of Northeast Indian families abroad to stay connected to their communities’ traditions.