HT Bureau
DIPHU, Feb 16: The 52nd Karbi Youth Festival (KYF), a major celebration of Karbi folk culture, was formally inaugurated on its second day at the Rangsina Sarpo ground in Taralangso on Monday.
Recognised as one of the oldest ethnic festivals in Northeast India, the five-day event blends traditional Karbi dance, music and rituals with modern cultural attractions.
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The day’s programme began with the colourful *Rongketong* cultural procession, where troupes from various Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) zones marched from their camps to the main venue.
This was followed by hoisting of the KCS flag by president Humsing Bey, performance of the KCS anthem by the central cultural troupe, and a traditional ritual by Karbi traditional king Longsing Ronghang invoking blessings for favourable weather and a peaceful festival.
Organised by the KCS, the festival provides a platform for Karbi youth to showcase their heritage.
This year, 32 KCS zones from Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Karbi communities in districts such as Nagaon, Sonitpur, Kamrup, Hojai, Morigaon and parts of Meghalaya are participating.
Alongside competitions in traditional music, dance and indigenous sports, the festival features modern attractions including a national rock contest, Miss KYF competition, live concerts, strongman events and drama performances.
In his presidential address, Bey highlighted observations of cultural icon Bishnu Prasad Rabha, who described the Karbis as among Assam’s early inhabitants.
He emphasised the importance of preserving Karbi language, traditions and oral heritage.
Inaugurating the festival, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang announced a grant of ₹1 lakh for each participating KCS zone.
He also noted that the Jambili Athon, the traditional totem pole symbolising the five Karbi clans, has been featured on a postal stamp.
Several individuals were honoured during the inaugural function, including Rumila Terangpi and Kache Teronpi for winning gold at the International Masters Games 2025, Sabina Teronpi for receiving the National Handicraft Award, Binong Teron for contributions to education, and Choran Aboha for promoting traditional Karbi cuisine.
Officials said the festival continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting Karbi identity while bringing together communities from across the region.
