HT Bureau
DIPHU, Feb 15: The hills of Karbi Anglong are set to come alive as Taralangso prepares to host the 52nd edition of the Karbi Youth Festival (KYF), regarded as the largest ethnic festival in Northeast India, beginning Monday at the Karbi People’s Hall.
Spread across more than 800 bighas, the venue is expected to witness large gatherings during the five-day celebration showcasing Karbi culture, traditions and community life.
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Addressing a press briefing at Taralangso, Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) general secretary Sunil Tokbi acknowledged financial challenges facing this year’s event, stating that although the festival budget is around Rs 3 crore, organisers currently lack adequate liquid funds.
Despite this, he said preparations have been completed with strong community support, adding that the Central Reception Committee formed two months ago has successfully managed extensive logistical arrangements.
The opening ceremony will be led by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to visit the festival on February 17.
The event has also attracted international attention, with representatives from the embassies of Hungary, Nepal and Taiwan expected to attend, along with intellectuals, writers and political leaders from neighbouring states.
Organisers said this year’s festival will emphasise both celebration and discipline, with strict monitoring on the sale and consumption of commercial alcohol, while indigenous brews will be permitted. Food stalls will primarily offer traditional Karbi cuisine. Officials expressed confidence that, despite financial constraints, the festival will be held with customary enthusiasm and cultural grandeur.
