The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) is one of the seven Zonal Cultural Centres established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Culture to promote, preserve and disseminate the diverse cultural heritage of the country. Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, the EZCC focuses on the traditional and contemporary art forms of eastern and north-eastern India.
| Name | Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre |
|---|---|
| Type | Autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Parent ministry | Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Region covered | Eastern and parts of north-eastern India |
The Zonal Cultural Centres were conceived in the mid-1980s as a network designed to foster cultural integration across India by encouraging interaction between artists and audiences from different regions. Seven such centres were set up, each anchored in a host state and covering a defined cluster of states and union territories. The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre was constituted as part of this initiative, with Kolkata chosen as its base given the city's long-standing position as a cultural hub of eastern India.
The EZCC's jurisdiction brings together several states from eastern and north-eastern India, including:
The Centre organises and supports a wide range of cultural activities aimed at sustaining traditional arts as well as showcasing contemporary creativity. Its programmes typically include:
The EZCC functions as an autonomous registered body. Its governance structure typically involves a Governing Body chaired by the Governor of the host state (West Bengal) on a rotational principle common to the Zonal Cultural Centres, with representation from member states and the Government of India. Day-to-day administration is led by a Director who oversees programming, finance and outreach.
The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre plays a central role in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of a region marked by strong classical traditions such as Odissi, Sattriya and Manipuri dance, alongside a rich tapestry of folk and tribal art forms including Chhau, Baul, Bihu, Jhumur, Santhali and Naga performance traditions. By providing institutional support, performance platforms and audiences beyond their home states, the Centre contributes to both the livelihood of practitioners and to wider public engagement with these traditions.