Shillong, Oct 13: Royal Enfield Social Mission kicked off the musical roadmap to Journeying Across the Himalayas 2026 with a curtain raiser at Oddbird Theatre, New Delhi yesterday.
The preview featured a rare cross-regional collaboration between Khasi blues vocalist Tipriti Kharbangar and Manipur folk artist Mangka Mayanglambam, with Manipuri & Khasi folk musicians — a lead-up to the annual festival scheduled from December 3-9.
The act is part of the inaugural performing arts programme by Royal Enfield Social Mission in partnership with Oddbird Foundation. Running from July-December, the grant-led initiative supports 57 artists across eight acts.
Final showcase will feature Tipriti x Mangka, Sound of Women by Krantinaari, Night (Kathmandu), Featherheads Haokui, Moko Koza, Yawar Abdal, Himachal Sanskriti Kala Manch and Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl.
Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation & Festival Director Bidisha Dey said the partnership builds a long-term framework giving artists mentorship, technical support and market access to co-create new work.
Oddbird Foundation Co-founder Shambhavi said the residency gives artists time and space to experiment while retaining their own voice.
The evening concluded with a Himalayan culinary showcase by Chef Tanisha Phanbuh of Tribal Gourmet.
The festival line-up in December also includes Shillong Chamber Choir, Taba Chake, Gini, Raman Negi and Aabha Hanjura.
