The 51st Karbi Youth Festival, the largest and oldest in the northeastern region, officially commenced today with a vibrant five-days program, marking its glorious closing ceremony of the golden jubilee year. In the land of colorful ducks at Rongmili, the cultural flag of Karbi folk traditions flew high. Amidst the picturesque natural and scenic surroundings of the small and large hills, the event was illuminated by the enchanting folk dances and songs of the local community.
The Karbi Cultural Project has been enriched by the sweet fragrance of traditional Karbi folk culture. By prioritizing the traditional cultures of every community residing in the district, the organizers have enabled them to gain a distinct identity in the world of Taralangso culture. The 827-bigha area of Taralangso has been transformed with artist villages, exhibition venues, marketplaces, sports grounds, community housing, and stages for community dance and art performances, all beautifully decorated with various lighting designs.
Since 1974, the Karbi Youth Festival has been held continuously and is recognized as one of the oldest and finest youth festivals in the northeastern region. This year, in its grand golden jubilee closure celebration, the Karbi Youth Festival will be centered around the impressive 70-foot tall Karbi Nothengpi (palace). Over 5,000 artists from a total of 35 different committees will showcase their talents with traditional crafts such as Chengpi, Cheng, Chengburup, and Chong. Additionally, performances will feature Peh, Vojaru-Angni, and various traditional attire like Choi-ik, Choi-Ang Pini, Pekok, and Vamkok, along with colorful processions led by the youth of Karbi. The cultural procession will commence from Taralangso Hemphu Mukrang Achatai where flags will be raised, and will be led by KCS president Chandrasing Kro for one last time.
Prior to this, floral tributes and offerings were made at the statue of Karbi cultural guru(Scholar) Rangsina Sarpo by the president and secretary of KCS, Chandrasing Kro and Bidyasing Rongpi, respectively. After Chandrasingh Kro, the president of KCS, raised the flag for the 51st Karbi Youth Festival, Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, the chief executive member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, officially inaugurated the 51st Karbi Youth Festival.
In addition to this, various dignitaries attended, including Karbi King Longsing Ronghang and other Karbi Traditional Dignitaries, Former Member of Parliament Horenshing Bey, the two legislators Bidyasing Engleng and Dorsing Ronghang, Padma Shri Dhaneshwar Ingti, Karbi folk culture researcher Lunse Timung, the founder of KCS general Secretary Roy Inghi, and the president of Karbi Lammet Amei Kamsing Hanse. Former KCS president Lawrence Teron was also present, along with various leaders and workers from different political and non-political parties.
On the other hand, the inauguration of the Toyota Pavilion was conducted by CEM Tuliram Ronghang. Following this, a series of events were gradually inaugurated, including the Chengpi competition, the Karbi traditional market, a demonstration and sales center for the Bua Kota Samabai Samiti, a departmental exhibition, community villages, markets, and stages etc.
