New Delhi: India's rich and vibrant culture will be on show in the northeast as Nagaland University in Kohima hosts the week-long annual convention of Spic Macay, an organisation dedicated to linking the youth to the country's music and culture. Nearly 700 young people will attend the Spic Macay or Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth - convention that starts on Saturday.

The event will see eminent artistes like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Fahimuddin Dagar and Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra performing.

Apart from the shows, participants will get an opportunity to attend talks, watch classic films, take part in crafts sessions and go for heritage and nature walks.

Movies by maestros like Satyajit Ray and Charlie Chaplin would also be screened.

Kiran Seth, who founded the Spic Macay at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi in 1977, said: "Today we are so linked up with the outward world through Internet, television and the mobile phone. This weeklong 'retreat' will provide an opportunity to the young people to connect inwardly."

"Participants in this convention will experience a rare opportunity to spend these days with eminent gurus imbibing from them values and thought processes which have made them great. The convention is a humble effort to celebrate our composite heritage," Seth added. IANS