I miss Delhi’s blue sky, says Papon at the North East Festival

No blue sky: Even though the haze has reduced, the pollution level in the capital is still extreme and when this concert was organized, all audience members and performers could discuss was the pollution.On the first day of the North East Festival, popular singerPapon opened his act with an Assamese song that roughly translates to ‘I miss my blue sky’. "I chose this song because I have been here for two days and I really do miss Delhi’s blue sky," said Papon. Jimmy Thang from the band Traffic Jam performed a metal cover of 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' (BCCL)No masks, but some music: The fourth edition of the North East Festival, held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, began with a bang, showcasing art, fashion, and music from the ‘seven sister states’. But amidst the cultural extravaganza, Papon was the clear crowd favourite, with the crowd chanting his name in anticipation before he came on stage. In a 45-minute-long energetic performance, Papon sang songs in Assamese and Mizo, and also performed some of his own Hindi tracks like 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage' and 'Bulleya'.“I know it’s very polluted these days so thank you all for coming. I cannot give you any masks but just my music," he said to the fans. The fans kept asking for encores throughout the performance. Shikha Chowdhry, who hails from Assam, said, "I am from the same village as Papon’s and I come to see him perform here every year. The music, the ambience and the atmosphere here make me feel like I’m back home again." (L-R) Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser, with Satyendra Garg and Pavan Varma (BCCL)Saare Jahan se Achha:Before Papon got on stage, north eastern band Traffic Jam entertained the audience. At a time when several north easterners are having to prove their ‘Indianness’ time and again, it was only fitting that the band opened their set with a rock rendition of Vande Mataram and ended with a metal cover of Saare Jahan se Achha. In between, the band paid tribute to the ‘Gods of Rock’ by singing the tracks of popular rock bands like 'Limp Bizkit', Iron Maiden, and Pink Floyd.Among those in attendance at the festival were Satyendra Garg, joint secretary, North East, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Rajen Gohain, MoS, Railways. Gohain said, "This is the first time I have come to the North East Festival and I have to say, it is really a very beautiful experience."While some at the North East Festival cheered for performers, others sang along (BCCL)