Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) which is known to be the oldest ethnic festival of North East India has begun its 48th edition at Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso, Karbi Anglong on Wednesday organized by Karbi Cultural Society (KCS). The event starts with Karbi traditional procession called ‘Rongketong’ which is participated by 34 KCS Zone including (newly 4 zone) i.e. Arunachal, Meghalaya, Morigaon and Nagaon KCS.
During Rongketong, the artist and the participants from different zones dressed with Karbi traditional dress, beating drums and holding Karbi’s totem pole- Jambili Athon, symbolic shields and swords came to the inauguration venue from their respective camps. After KCS President Chandra Sing Kro hosted its flag, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dr. Tuliram Ronghang formally inaugurated the festival. During the inaugural speech, CEM was called to work unitedly for all causes of culture, language and tradition.
He also appreciated the KCS for their relentless efforts in promoting Karbi culture throughout the world. “We have established different developmental works inside Karbi People’s Hall, now again we have taken steps to set up 33 more zonal camps for male and auditorium halls capable of accommodating 5000 people at a time which will inaugurate before the golden jubilee celebration,” Ronghang said.
KCS President Chandra Sing Kro, in his president’s speech said that KCS has organised the KYF uninterruptedly since 1974. From the starting to till date we have seen many ups and downs, but we should feel gratitude to many Karbi leaders for their relentless contribution towards KYF. Kro also expressed his gratitude to Team Karbi Anglong led by KAAC CEM Dr. Tuliram Ronghang for their kindness and support.
The inaugural programme was attended by Member of Parliament (MP) Horensing Bey, KAAC Chairman Longki Timung, Deputy Chairman Ritesh Enghi, KAAC EMs, MACs, Karbi Recho (King) Ram Sing Ronghang, Dumra Karbi Recho Holi Sing Ronghang and many other dignitaries. It may be mentioned that KYF has organized uniformly from 15-19 February every year since its inception, but due to COVID-19 pandemic was on the rise, the festival has to reschedule this year which has started from March 1 and will end on 5.
