Karbi Youth Fest
Where Tradition Dances and Hearts Sing
Embark on an unforgettable journey, where history intertwines with the present, and the rhythm of traditions resonates in every heart. Join us as the spirits soar, laughter fills the air, and the magic of our culture shines bright!
See you there!
Rooted in the rich customs of the Karbi community, the festival pays homage to its heritage while embracing modern innovation. Revered dance forms like Chomangkan and Seng Kephang take center stage, accompanied by soul-stirring folk songs that resonate through generations, fostering unity and nostalgia.
Drawing regional, national, and international talent, the festival ignites the stage with awe-inspiring acts, seamlessly blending diverse cultures into a harmonious celebration. It offers aspiring talents a platform to shine, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their roots.
Beyond performances, the festival provides a vibrant atmosphere with exhibitions, stalls, and delectable local cuisine. It serves as a catalyst for artistic growth and friendship, uniting over one million visitors in a jubilant spirit of togetherness.
With its enchanting allure, the Karbi Youth Fest creates an authentic experience, showcasing the brilliance of North-East India’s cultural diversity and leaving indelible memories etched in the hearts of all who partake in this magical journey.
Karbi Youth Festival
The Story Behind
The year 1974 marked the birth of a revolutionary idea as a group of young Karbi individuals joined forces to create something unprecedented – the very first Youth Festival in Diphu’s headquarters. This ground-breaking event sparked a wave of cultural vigour among the Karbi youth.
Starting with humble beginnings, the festival steadily gained momentum, evolving into a prominent celebration of Karbi Anglong’s history, culture & traditions. Held at the Karbi Peoples’ Hall in Taralangso, Diphu, this annual extravaganza stands as a testament to the spirit of celebration and warmth of the Karbi community.
Over the years, the Karbi Youth Festival has become a platform for the young talents of the community to shine, instilling a sense of pride and belonging in their roots. It has grown into a cherished tradition that honors the past and paves the way for a brighter future, making it a significant milestone in the cultural journey of the Karbi people.
The Birth of KCS
Karbi Cultural Society- The Backbone of the Festival
Three years after the inaugural youth festival, the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) was formed on January 30, 1977, to ensure an organized approach towards future events. This dedicated body took on the responsibility of preserving and promoting the Karbi culture, handing over the festival’s management to from a representative body of the Karbi people.
Taralangso, Diphu:
Today, the Karbi Youth Festival at Taralangso, near Diphu, holds a special place as a living heritage of the Karbi community. The festival’s permanent venue comprises an area of 1086 bigha, generously donated by the Karbi people themselves. The three stages named SING MIRJENG, LONG MIRJENG, and RU SEMSON SING INGTI stand as a testament to the sentiments of the people, who cherish and nurture this sacred land.
About the Karbi
Karbi Heritage
In the embrace of the Karbi tribe, 'Ru Rangsina Sarpo,' the celestial guardian, reigns supreme, bestowing cultural wisdom and urging them to honor their heritage. Enchanting songs and dances grace every occasion, but the grandest celebration is 'RONGKER,' seeking blessings for the community.
At the cultural capital, 'RONG-ARAK,' the Karbi Religious King presides over the sacred 'BOTOR KEKUR.' Elders gather, chanting the Weather Song ('BOTOR ALUN') in harmony, entreating the Weather God for favorable blessings. Spirituality and culture intertwine, cradling ancient traditions in the arms of time.
This sacred symphony weaves a tapestry of devotion and homage to roots, celebrating nature's benevolence. The Karbi tribe dances in harmony with the cosmos, cherishing their heritage and embracing the gifts of the generous Weather God, 'Ru Rangsina Sarpo.' Let your senses be enchanted by this celestial convergence, where life pulses to the rhythm of the land
Karbi Melodies
“The Enchanting Songs of Karbi Tribe: A Musical Journey Through Love and Heritage“
In the olden days, Bor-et, a remarkably beautiful girl, captivated the hearts of young people who were eager to impress her. They expressed their affection through sweet songs dedicated to her, a tradition that lives on even today. The Bor-et song, now a popular melody within the tribe, remains a powerful means for young people to express their love and admiration for someone special. One such special song is Bong-Oi Alun, a vibrant expression of love and courtship. These songs are not about force or pushiness, but about using words and emotions to win the hearts of those they admire. The melodious enchantment of Bong-Oi Alun casts a magical spell on all who listen, captivating them with its sweet words and emotions.
- Another notable song is Jili Alun, performed during the traditional ritual “Nimso Kerung,” where young people dance, and girls take center stage. This ritual aims to show the spirit world the existence of similar dances in their world. Jili Alun, a love song, narrates the tale of a beautiful imaginary girl, designed to impress and win the affection of a specific person.
- For people of all ages, “Oso Kepakan Alun” is a special lullaby that charms and soothes babies. Holding the child up in the air, the singer expresses their heartfelt wishes for the baby’s future, creating a loving and caring atmosphere.
- Rongkim Alun is not just a performance for one person; it becomes a community celebration, bringing the whole village together in joy and unity. This special time allows the villagers to take pride in their heritage and the creation of their village.
- Tuva-Eh, a traditional Karbi lullaby, has been the go-to magical song for calming and lulling children to sleep for generations. Sung when placing a child in a crib made of soft Eri silk cloth, the gentle rocking motion of the crib complements the soothing melody of the lullaby.
- Moving beyond love and lullabies, Mosera Kehir is a song of great significance for the Karbi tribe. This traditional song narrates the origin of their tribe, tracing their roots back to the eggs of a mythical bird called Voplakpi. The Karbi tribe holds a unique position as they are believed to have come from the 1000th and final egg laid by the bird, following the birth of various other tribes.
- The song is performed by a knowledgeable and esteemed elder who has extensively studied the story of the Karbi tribe’s origin. The narrative depicts the challenging circumstances of the tribe’s birth from the mythical bird’s eggs, adding a touch of mystique to their rich heritage.
- The enchanting songs of the Karbi tribe not only celebrate love but also serve as a cultural tapestry, weaving together stories of their origin and traditions. As these melodic melodies continue to echo through time, they preserve the essence of Karbi culture, passing on its magic and charm to future generations.
Karbi Dance Forms
Hen-up Ahi Kekan
- In the hills of Karbi Anglong, the Karbi community finds sustenance in the bountiful natural surroundings. Abundant bamboo shoots, vegetables, and fruits provide nourishment year-round. In September, they engage in a traditional practice of collecting bamboo shoots and storing them in a unique bamboo structure called “Hen-up ahi.”
- The “Hen-up ahi” is a funnel-shaped storage unit used for fermentation and distillation, taking three to four months to complete. Once the fermentation process concludes, the Karbi community celebrates with the Hen-up ahi kekan dance, a joyous display of happiness, particularly among the young members. This dance signifies the successful completion of the process and the collective effort of the community.
- Following the celebration, the fermented product is distributed among the community members as a food item, bringing everyone together in a shared feast. This age-old tradition reflects the harmonious relationship between the Karbis and their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for their cultural heritage.
Chong Kedam
- In the hills of Karbi Anglong, the Karbi community finds sustenance in the bountiful natural surroundings. Abundant bamboo shoots, vegetables, and fruits provide nourishment year-round. In September, they engage in a traditional practice of collecting bamboo shoots and storing them in a unique bamboo structure called “Hen-up ahi.”
- The “Hen-up ahi” is a funnel-shaped storage unit used for fermentation and distillation, taking three to four months to complete. Once the fermentation process concludes, the Karbi community celebrates with the Hen-up ahi kekan dance, a joyous display of happiness, particularly among the young members. This dance signifies the successful completion of the process and the collective effort of the community.
- Following the celebration, the fermented product is distributed among the community members as a food item, bringing everyone together in a shared feast. This age-old tradition reflects the harmonious relationship between the Karbis and their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for their cultural heritage.
The Lengpum Sokchon
- In the hills of Karbi Anglong, the Karbi community finds sustenance in the bountiful natural surroundings. Abundant bamboo shoots, vegetables, and fruits provide nourishment year-round. In September, they engage in a traditional practice of collecting bamboo shoots and storing them in a unique bamboo structure called “Hen-up ahi.”
- The “Hen-up ahi” is a funnel-shaped storage unit used for fermentation and distillation, taking three to four months to complete. Once the fermentation process concludes, the Karbi community celebrates with the Hen-up ahi kekan dance, a joyous display of happiness, particularly among the young members. This dance signifies the successful completion of the process and the collective effort of the community.
- Following the celebration, the fermented product is distributed among the community members as a food item, bringing everyone together in a shared feast. This age-old tradition reflects the harmonious relationship between the Karbis and their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for their cultural heritage.