Dear Friends,

 For many an escape to the verdant hills and surroundings to soothe a tired soul and mind remains a dream. But if the dream, far from the verdant hills of the Northeast, comes knocking at yout doorstep it can be termed a sheer miracle.The Miralce has happened! A bouquet of artisitc expressions-Octave 2008, has arrived in Kerala. An intiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to showcase the rich, varied, traditional, contemporary and the modern art forms from the 8 states of the Northeast, Octave-Celebrating the Northeast Festival, kickstarted in 2006. The 2-year old fledgling Octave is in fact a mammoth carnival of colour, lifestyle, cusine and art forms. It has travelled to Hyderabad in 2007 and has now in its third year touched base in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.It with is a great measure of pride and joy that I would like to share with you that I have been associated with Octave since it took off. A hat trick!One cannot be left untouched and so am I by the innocence, the joy that stems from within, dedication, perseverence, cooperation and adapting to different places, culture, people and climates of the artists from the Northeast.Over the years I have been left stupifid by the sheer variety of art forms some whose popularity is limited to its state or the region it belongs to. It needs to be preserved and propogated. If Bihu beholds you with its sheer ecstasy, the martial arts hold you in awe, while the delicate flowing steps weaves a spell, yet others take you close to the clouds, the heavens-the abode of nature\'s bounty-God himself.The enthusiam is high among the artists and the organizers of Ocatve 2008 and it is bound to spill over to the mega event in its full zest. The rare treat of the Northeast is in your city. Don\'t miss the opportunity. Come with family and friends and join us in the spiirit of the celebration. Let us all go back with happy memories from God\'s own Country.

Madhusen,

Coordinator

Choreographer team.