NATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (NCEP)

Under the National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP) funded by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India artistes from the Zone showcase their talent in other parts of the country. Similarly, artistes from other Zones get a platform for exchanging cultural ties apart from acquainting the common people with the rich diversity of Indian culture.

The main aim of this scheme is exchange of artistes, musicians, performers and sculptors etc. between different regions with in the country for the promotion of rich cultural heritage of India. This scheme is benefiting a large number of folk artistes, musicians, artisans etc. Variety of programmes/events covering all the aspects of art & culture at various places in the member states of the Zone as well as outside the Zone in other States of India.

Some of the important Fairs and Festivals where NZCC has been participating regularly and showcasing folk dances, folk music and folk instruments under this Scheme are:

• Baba Sheikh Farid Aagman Purb at Faridkot (Punjab)
• Kurukshetra Utsav – Geeta Jayanti Samaroh at Kurukshetra (Haryana)
• Minzar Mela at Chamba (Himachal Pradesh)
• Shravani Mela at Jogeshwar Dham (Uttarakhand)
• Chhinj Mela at Babbehali (Punjab)
• Yamuna Sharad Mahotsav at Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh)
• Kinnaur Mahotsav at Recong Peo (Himachal Pradesh)
• Virasat Mela at Bhatinda (Punjab)
• Uttrayani Mela at Bageshwari (Uttrakhand)
• Shivratri Mahotsav at Baijnath & Mandi (Himachal Pradesh)
• Surajkund Crafts Mela at Surajkund (Haryana)
• Chandigarh Carnival & Rose Festival at U.T. Chandigarh
• Virasat Festival at Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
• Lokrang Festival at Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• Loknarunjan Mela at Jodhpur (Rajasthan)