Diphu February 16: The 43rd Karbi Youth Festival, the largest ethnic event in India was formally declared open by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at Karbi Peoples Hall, today amid rattling of hundreds of Karbi traditional drums and loud cheers from the massive gathering of many ethnic groups and artists at Sing Mirjang open theater.

Sonowal formally lit the oil lamp to mark the beginning of the week-long festival of youth activity in the presence of Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang, all four MLAs of this autonomous district and other dignitaries.

The permanent venue of this striking annual festival is Taralangso village just 6.9 kilometers from Diphu municipality, the headquarter town of East Karbi Anglong autonomous district. It also houses the secretariat of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

The Chief Minister declared that Assam government will extend all help and cooperation to build the infrastructure of the Karbi Peoples Hall which has lately become the focal point of ethnic culture in the region.

chief minister dignitaries and bodyguards.

Chief Minister, dignitaries and bodyguards.

Altogether, ten ethnic communities are participating in the 43rd edition of the Karbi Youth Festival. They are Garo, Bodo, Mam Tai, Speaking, Kuki, Tiwa, Rengma-Naga, Tai-Ahom, Dimasa, Rabha and Paite.

Beside the three existing open stages, another amphitheater was constructed and named ‘Longbi Chedu.’

Contest of cultural events between zonal Karbi Cultural Societies many literary, educational exhibitions have begun.

The ethnic pergola of various tribes and community have opened its door to showcase their rich diversity, traditional food festival, conventional sports and dress, musical instrument are on displayed alongside modern rock bands.

Literary colloquiums and dramas based on epics and heroic acts of Karbi society will be staged in the large open air theater from tomorrow.

rabha community display and dancers.

Rabha community display and dancers.

kuki community display.

Kuki community display

Mantai speaking community.

Mantai speaking community.

Dimasa community.

Dimasa community display.

paite community display.

Paite community display.

sonowal ronghang kaac.

Chief Minister Sonowal, Chief Executive Member of KAAC – Tuliram Ronghang, the four MLAs and other dignitaries.