New Delhi, September 8 (PTI): Handicrafts, art and culture and cuisine of the Northeast will be showcased at a festival to be held over the weekend here at the India Gate lawns. The 'North East Calling' festival will help promote the heritage of the region and create awareness on business and tourism opportunities there. The two-day event on Saturday and Sunday is being organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under its 'Destination North East series' of this year, an official statement said. DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh will inaugurate the festival, where the entry is free. The event will include performance by music bands, dance troupes, musicians and a handloom show displaying ethnic dress materials. There will be stalls by various central government ministries showcasing the works being undertaken by them in the region. Ther will also be stalls by state governments offering opportunities in their states, sale of products of NERAMAC and NEHHDC, variety of food stalls featuring delicacies of the Northeast as well as contests for all sections of young population to expose them to the region. The event coincides with the 16th anniversary of ministry of DoNER. In the run-up of to the event, a variety of contests including photography and caption contest, video contest, choreography contest for colleges on the theme "Connect NE", quiz competition for schools and colleges, best Northeastern attire in the crowd, home chef contest, have been organised.