HT Bureau
DIPHU, Jan 13: Amidst much anticipation, the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Karbi Youth Festival (KYF), organised by the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), commenced with zeal at the Karbi People’s Hall (KPH) in Taralangso.
Recognised as the oldest and largest ethnic festival in Northeast India, this milestone celebration marks the 50th edition of the KYF, a cultural extravaganza cherished by the Karbi tribe.
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The festivities unfolded with a spectacular ‘Rongketong’ procession, a vibrant display of traditional attire, originating from the historic Karbi Club where the inaugural KYF took place in 1974. Troupes from 35 KCS zones, comprising over 3000 members from within and outside Karbi Anglong district, paraded in a procession led by former members of Karbi Club and villagers of Rongnihang.
Distinguished figures including KCS president Chandrasing Kro, secretary Bidyasing Rongpi, chief executive member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Tuliram Ronghang, Karbi traditional king Longsing Ronghang, and MP Horensing Bey actively participated.
The procession, featuring the iconic Jambili Athon totem pole of the tribe, resonated with the beats of traditional Karbi drums, melodic flute tunes, and the spirited dance of youths. The cultural spectacle culminated in Taralangso, the venue for the formal inauguration.
At Taralangso, KCS president Chandrasing Kro unfurled the KCS flag, accompanied by the stirring performance of the KCS anthem by the central choir.
Kro took a moment to acknowledge the pivotal roles played by individuals like Roy Inghi, Lunse Timung, Janasing Terang, and Lawrence Teron in rejuvenating Karbi culture, language, dress, and traditions through the organisation of KYF, which has now achieved the significant milestone of 50 years.
“We need to acknowledge the contribution of Roy Inghi and Lunse Timung, who later became the founding general secretary and president of KCS; Janasing Terang the founding president of Karbi Club and its member Lawrence Teron in reviving the Karbi culture, language, dress and traditions by organising KYF to bring Karbi youths together. Because of them, the KYF has now reached its 50th year,” Kro said.
Kro also affirmed the continued commitment of KCS to the development and promotion of Karbi culture, language, and tradition. He urged the Karbi community to unite, setting aside political differences for the collective interest.
Speaking on the occasion, Tuliram Ronghang expressed gratitude to Roy Inghi and Lunse Timung for their instrumental roles in organising the inaugural KYF, emphasising how Taralangso has evolved into a cultural center for the Karbis.
“I thank Roy Inghi and Lunse Timung for their leading role in organising the first KYF and initiating the revival of Karbi culture. Taralangso has changed a lot. It has now become a cultural centre for the Karbis. If we strive we can achieve what we are demanding- Autonomous State under Article 244(A) of the Indian constitution. I declare this Golden Jubilee celebration of KYF open,” Tuliram said.
A notable feature of the event was the presentation of the Cultures of Resistance Award by KCS to founding president Lunse Timung, founding general secretary Roy Inghi, and renowned Karbi female singer Pokhila Lekthepi. Inghi and Timung received a memento and a cheque of Rs 20,000 each, while Lekthepi was honored with a memento and Rs 25,000 cheque.
The inaugural program witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Deputy Ambassador of Myanmar Tin Tin Htwe Win and husband Soe Moe Naing, deputy ambassador of Lao PDR Keo Sengdavong and wife Khampheng Luanglath, first secretary High Commission of Malawi Joseph Austen Kawinga, first secretary High Commission of Ghana Konrad Nana Kojo Asiedu, and executive secretary to the High Commissioner of Ghana Jaee Bhatnagar.
Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Dr Numal Momin, Dimoria Karbi traditional king Holising Ronghang, Karbi traditional king Longsing Ronghang, executive member (EM) of KAAC, MACs, principal secretary of KAAC Mukul Kumar Saikia, DC of Karbi Anglong Madhumita Bhagawati, president of Karbi Lammet Amei (KLA) Barim Ingti, and general secretary Joysing Tokbi, along with Padmashree Dhaneswar Ingti, were also present at the inaugural program.
The organisers extended the KYF duration to eight days, from January 12 to 19, deviating from the usual five days. This annual festival, attracting thousands of Karbi youths and enthusiasts from across the country, serves as a vibrant platform to celebrate the rich culture and tradition of the tribe.
The first KYF, initiated in 1974 at Karbi Club, Rongnihang, Diphu, under the leadership of Roy Inghi, late Janasing Terang, Lunse Timung, Lawrence Teron, and others, has been consistently organised annually. One of the main highlights of this jubilee celebration will be the visit of Indian President Droupadi Murmu on January 17 to witness the festival’s grandeur.
