Assam: 46th Karbi Youth Festival gets underway

 | 

DIPHU, Feb 16:

More than three thousand artistes from 27 Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) Zones including individual invitees and College KCS Units came together for the 46th Karbi Youth Festival (KYF), which was formally inaugurated by Chief Executive Member (CEM), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang at Karbi Cultural Complex, Taralangso here on Sunday.

The cultural troupes from artistes' camps performed the Rongketong (cultural procession) and proceeded to the festival ground with the beating of traditional drums, playing of traditional instruments and dancing. Jambili, Karbi totem pole decorated with birds was the front bearer.

The Cultural troupes from outside Karbi Anglong like Umrangso (Dima Hasao); Sonitpur, Sonapur, Biswanath Chariali and from other districts where Karbis live also participated in the festival. This time round, some new cultural troupes like Greater Guwahati from Kamrup Metro; Malidor, Cachar and visitors from Meghalaya have also come to participate in the festival.

ALSO READ

Inaugurating the 46th KYF, the CEM called for a united effort for the cause of culture, language and tradition. "For the sake of KYF we should not have any religious or political differences but extend full cooperation in promoting our culture," CEM said.

Referring to some particular political leaders and party without mentioning their names Ronghang said, "There are some political leaders and party who are getting respect from people. They claim that with the signing of MoU between KAAC and KCS, the culture and language will not be protected. They criticized the understanding between KAAC and KCS. I say the Karbi cultural complex, Taralangso is of no one's property, but belongs to KCS. The MoU signed between KAAC and KCS is for development of Taralangso. Instead of criticizing they should come forward to support the festival."

CEM also said, fulfilling of last year's promise, Karbi traditional dresses and traditional instruments will be distributed to 26 zones. From next year, the transportation cost for coming to Taralangso and going for all KCS Zones will be borned by KAAC.

He further informed that this year, the road from infront of DIG Bungalow to Taralangso with a distrace of 2. 5 k.m. with divider has been completed. Another road entering Taralangso from Taralangso tiniali will be taken up and in the next KYF it will be completed.

"We want to develop Taralangso, the site of Karbi Cultural Complex into the best ethnic festival in India. Before the golden jubilee of KYF in 2024, you will be seeing many new developments here," CEM said.

KCS, president, Chandrasing Kro in his presidential address said the KYF which was first held in 1974 has been uninterruptedly continued and has now reached its 46th edition.

Kro also said that due to political interference there was a division even in the KCS; however, the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) and other social organizations have helped in uniting KCS once again.

"To keep the KYF going and in developing Taralangso, an MoU between KAAC and KCS was signed on January 31," Kro said while expressing his gratitude to CEM Ronghang for "positively" supporting for the KYF and development of Taralangso.

Earlier, Kro hoisted the KCS flag. The KCS anthem song was sung by KCS Central Committee team.