Cultural procession during the inaugural day of five-day 48th edition of the Karbi Youth Festival, considered the oldest ethnic festival of North-East on March 2. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Diphu | March 2
The 48th edition of the Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) commenced with a colourful start at the Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso, the permanent venue of the festival.
The festival, being organsied by Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), was inaugurated by Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member (CEM), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
The five-day long festival, reportedly the oldest ethnic festival of North-East, concludes on March 5.
The inaugural programme started with the ‘Rongketong’-cultural procession by artists from various KCS Zones.
During the same, performers in their traditional attire marched to Hemphu Mukrang ground with traditional dances to the rhythm of the beating of Karbi traditional drums and playing of pongsi-flutes.
The torchbearer of each Zone holding Jambili Athon-Karbi totem pole led the march, followed by the artists.
At Hemphu Mukrang ground, President KCS, Chandra Sing Kro hoisted the society’s flag followed by singing of Karbi national anthem by the cultural troupes of KCS Central Committee.
In his message, Kro said that the KCS is always striving to work for the betterment of Karbi society and in bringing together all Karbis scattered in various districts of Assam and North-East states through culture.
Many development works for the beautification of Taralangso have been taken up under the initiative of CEM Ronghang, he further maintained, citing the construction of entrance gate, Nothengpi; repairing of KCS central committee office; renovation of Longmirjeng open stage; Zonal camps; boundary walls etc.
Inaugurating the festival the CEM Ronghang said that there is need for construction of more artists’ camps and 33 artists’ camps for boys will be constructed.
A 5000 capacity auditorium through SOPD State government sponsored scheme would be constructed at Taralangso and it would be completed by two years before the golden jubilee, he said.
“The KYF has become the oldest and biggest ethnic festival in the North-East. Not only Karbis, but other ethnic tribes and communities residing in Karbi Anglong have come together to celebrate the festival. It is a platform to showcase our culture and tradition,” the CEM added.
He further noted that there are more works to be done for the development of Taralangso and the KAAC and KCS are working together.
Earlier, homage to legendary Karbi musician Ru Rangsina Sarpo and to the souls of the departed persons involved in KCS and KYF was offered.
The KCS also felicitated CEM Ronghang for receiving the honorary doctorate degree from the Bharat Virtual University, Bangalore for peace, education and development in December last.
He was presented with a citation note and Karbi traditional jacket.
Departmental exhibition stalls, ethnic village, traditional dress sale cum exhibition stalls, market complex were also inaugurated on the first day.
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