The Telangana North East Connect festival will open in Hyderabad in two phases, from 20–22 November and 25–27 November 2025. The event aims to deepen cultural and economic ties between Telangana and the northeastern states. It also offers a platform for talent, innovation, and regional collaboration. The Telangana government and Raj Bhavan are leading the initiative with support from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
What to Expect in Phase I (20–22 November)
Phase I will unfold at Raj Bhavan and HITEX. It focuses on arts, literature, sports, and women-centric programs. Because of the diverse schedule, visitors can expect vibrant cultural exchanges.
Cultural Extravaganza and Sports Showcases
- Arts & Literature: Includes fine arts, theatre, music, and literary sessions.
- Women Empowerment: Panel discussions, workshops, and entrepreneurship sessions aimed at uplifting women from both regions.
- Sports Events: Exhibition matches in badminton and football, along with performances by Telangana’s “Band of Telangana.”
This phase is designed to bring people together through shared culture and friendly competition, giving participants a chance to build long-term relationships.
Deep Dive into Phase II (25–27 November)
The second phase, scheduled for 25 to 27 November, will also take place in Hyderabad across Raj Bhavan and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).
Focus on Innovation, Health, and Technology
- Medicine & Health Sciences: Panels on healthcare innovation, diagnostics, and medical research.
- Pharma & Life Sciences: Exhibitions, biotech startup displays, and discussions on life-sciences research.
- IT & ITES: Showcases of emerging technologies, startup innovation, and skill-development workshops.
This phase is tailored to industry leaders, researchers, and young innovators, bridging technological advances with social development.
A Cinematic Highlight – Film Festival at IMAX
One of the most anticipated parts of the festival is a film festival scheduled during 21–22 November at IMAX Theatre, Hyderabad.
- A total of 12 regional films will be screened, including eight from the North East and four Telugu films.
- Filmmakers and prominent personalities from both regions will attend, contributing to conversations around cinema, culture, and regional identity.
This cinematic segment is a celebration of India’s rich cultural diversity and regional storytelling.
Vision Behind the Telangana North East Connect
The core vision of the festival is to foster sustained collaboration, mutual understanding, and knowledge exchange between Telangana and the North Eastern states.
According to the official festival website, the mission includes:
- Reinforcing cultural bonds between the regions
- Promoting heritage, literature, and traditional knowledge systems
- Enabling dialogue on technology, innovation, and life sciences
- Building strategic partnerships among creative and academic communities.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who formally launched the event at Raj Bhavan, emphasized how the festival fits into the broader national goals of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
Funding, Support, and Local Backing
The Telangana government has officially sanctioned ₹55 lakh for this event, according to a government order. This financial support underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening cultural and creative ties with the North East.
The Telangana State Film Development Corporation (TGFDC) is playing a key role in coordinating the film festival portion. Local and northeastern artists, tech entrepreneurs, and delegates are expected to attend, representing a cross-section of India’s creativity and innovation.
Why This Festival Matters
Bridging Geography and Culture
This is a rare large-scale initiative that brings Telangana and all eight northeastern states together in a structured, high-profile way — not just for cultural showmanship but for long-term collaboration.
Innovation Meets Tradition
By combining technology and traditional arts under one festival umbrella, the event demonstrates how cultural heritage and modern innovation can reinforce each other. It’s not just a “feel-good” celebration — it’s a platform for real business, research, and networking.
Economic and Social Impact
Such a festival has the potential to foster economic partnerships, spur startup collaboration, and give artists and scientists a national stage. Panel discussions and exhibitions during Phase II could lead to real policy outcomes and public-private initiatives.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history in the making — whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, researcher, or simply a culture enthusiast. Register now at the official Telangana North East Connect website and join the celebrations from 20–22 November or 25–27 November.