Five-day KYF underway in Diphu

Our Correspondent

Diphu, March 2 (EMN): The 48th edition of Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) began at the permanent venue in Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso 2 km away from Diphu town on March 1.

Organised by Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), the festival will conclude on March 5.

Chief Executive Member (CEM), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghan inaugurated the mega cultural event in the presence of a large gathering. The inaugural programme started the ‘Rongketong’, a cultural procession by artists from various KCS Zones from artist’s camps to Hemphu Mukrang ground, where the inaugural ceremony was held.

At Hemphu Mukrang ground, president of KCS, Chandra Sing Kro hoisted the KCS flag followed by singing of Karbi national anthem by the cultural troupes of KCS Central Committee.

Kro in his message said that 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 Northeastern states through culture. 

He also mentioned that under the initiative of CEM Ronghang, many development works have been taken up for the beautification of Taralangso.

Inaugurating the festival, the CEM 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 will be constructed at Taralangso and it will be completed in two years before the golden jubilee.

“The KYF has become the oldest and biggest ethnic festival in the Northeast. 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 said.

He also said that there is work 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 an honorary doctorate degree from Bharat Virtual University, Bangalore for peace, education and development in December last year. 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.