The Closing Ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 unfolded into a spectacular celebration of India’s cultural diversity, featuring an expansive showcase of folk heritage, classical traditions, and contemporary artistic excellence. The event, held on Friday, brought together performers from across the country, reflecting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

One of the most prominent highlights of the ceremony was the Northeast Cultural Showcase curated by renowned cultural exponent Ranjit Gogoi, marking one of the most elaborate representations of the region ever presented at IFFI. Designed as a two-part performance, the segment celebrated both the region’s deep ties with Indian cinema and the cultural identity of its eight states.

The first segment delivered a vibrant dance tribute to the musical legends of the Northeast, featuring compositions by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Zubeen Garg, and Papon—recognising their monumental contributions to India’s cinematic soundscape.

The second segment featured a grand folk ensemble representing all eight states: Nyapa Cham and Zya Cham of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam’s Bihu, Mizoram’s Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), Wangala of Meghalaya, Manipur’s Pung Cholom, Tripura’s Sangrain, Nagaland’s Warrior Dance, and Sikkim’s Singhi Chaam. The performance offered a panoramic journey through the region’s rhythm, colour, and cultural depth, emerging as one of the most captivating presentations of the evening.

In addition to the Northeast, artists from Rajasthan, Karnataka, and several other regions showcased their traditional arts, creating a comprehensive national platform at one of the world’s premier film festivals.

The grand evening reaffirmed IFFI’s role not only as a global stage for cinema but also as a powerful medium to project India’s cultural unity through artistic diversity.