Karbi Youth Festival at Taralangso, is a major ethnicity-based festival in the North East, showcasing the cultural ethos of the Karbi tribe who inhabit the hilly district of Karbi Anglong. It is the oldest ethnic festival in Northeast India. In 2024, KYF celebrated its golden jubilee (50 years). While all ethnic festivals are rooted in tradition, especially cultures and lifestyles, what sets the Taralangso festival apart is its particular emphasis on reviving and promoting the Karbis’ traditional games aside from celebrating the community’s cultural heritage.
About Karbi Anglong
Karbi Anglong district lies in the central part of Assam. Karbi Anglong district was formed on the 17th of November, 1951. In 2016, West Karbi Anglong was separated from Karbi Angong and announced as a new district for administrative convenience. Rolling hills, dense forests, waterfalls of karbi anglong, rivers and streams surround the whole of Karbi Anglong. Tourist places of Karbi Anglong offer exotic natural beauty and lush vegetation. Karbi Youth Festival is one of the major tourist attractions of Karbi Anglong.
When Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) is Celebrated?
Karbi Youth Festival is celebrated in the month of February, preferably in second or third week of February. Generally, it is a five day event. In 2023, it was celebrated during February 15-19. However, in 2024, it was celebrated from 12th to 19th January. It was preponed because of the upcoming LS elections. KYF-2024 was celebrated as a golden jubilee edition. The next edition, KYF 2025 is slated to be held in the month of February.
Venue of Karbi Youth Festival
The location is Karbi Youth Festival is Taralangso, Karbi anglong. It is approximately 6 km from Diphu (headquarter of Karbi anglong district). The main center of KYF is Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso. Here is the google map location of the exact venue of Karbi Youth Festival.
Why Karbi Youth Festival is celebrated?
The main reason behind Karbi Youth Festival is to promote tourism in Karbi Anglong district. Karbi Anglong district of Assam is blessed with numerous unexplored waterfalls and tourist places. However, the area is still unexplored by mainstream tourists of Assam and beyond. In order to bring more footfalls, the festival is organised annually.
Another reason to hold Karbi Youth Festival is to showcase the unique tribal culture of the Karbi tribe. The Karbi tribe is culturally rich because of its unique attire, festivals, food habits and exotic culture. The Karbi Youth Festival acts as a platform to present Karbi culture to the world.
Schedule and Main Attraction of Karbi Youth Festival
The Karbi Youth Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors to Karbi Anglong each year. The festival features a diverse schedule of events held across four stages simultaneously. Highlights include the Rongketong (traditional cultural procession), Chengpi (drum) beating competition, weaving and craft exhibition, folk dances, cultural nights, beauty pageant competition (Miss KYF), one-act plays, quizzes, Chong Chingnang (shield and sword dance) marathon, poets and writers conference, rock band competition, campfires, and more.
An ethnic village is set up, reminiscent of Kisama Heritage Village at the Hornbill Festival, providing attendees with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional Karbi way of life. Additionally, the cultural nights feature performances by renowned musicians from around the world, adding a global dimension to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) Tickets Price
Things To Do and Main Attractions at KYF
The Karbi Youth Festival offers a rich cultural experience. The five day long extravaganza is full of enjoyment and activities. Here are some suggestions to explore Karbi Youth Festival:
Music Concert
Karbi people are known for their taste of music. Each year renowned artists from all across India are invited to perform at the festival. The whole bunch of genres including rock, folk, jazz, modern, pop, Bollywood are covered in these music concerts.
MTV Bike Rally and Competition
The festival features mountain bike rally/competition with a prize money. Participants from all across Assam take part in this adventurous sport. If you are into bike rally, you must take part in this. The terrain of Karbi Anglong, blessed with small hills, rivulets and forests is famous for adventure biking.
Traditional Dance Performances:
Watch traditional Karbi dance performances showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the community. The intricate dance forms often convey stories and traditions.
Art and Craft Exhibitions:
Explore art and craft stalls to witness the craftsmanship of the Karbi people. Look for unique handcrafted items such as pottery, woodwork, and bamboo products.
Cultural Workshops:
Participate in workshops that teach traditional Karbi art forms, such as weaving or pottery. Engaging with local artisans can provide valuable insights into their techniques.
Cultural Processions:
Attend colorful and lively cultural processions where participants showcase traditional costumes, ornaments, and artifacts. These processions often feature music, dance, and rituals.
Camping and Bonfires:
The festival offers camping options, consider spending a night under the stars. Enjoy traditional music around a bonfire, creating a memorable and immersive experience.
Networking and Cultural Exchange:
Connect with fellow attendees and participants. The festival is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and making new friends who share an interest in preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures.
In adition to this the organiser of Karbi Youth Festival- Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) hold various community based competition such as debate , poem writing, arm wrestling, wood carving and crafting, weaving, singing etc.
Where To Stay at KYF
Accommodation options during the Karbi Youth Festival include tents, available at a rate of 700 rupees per day per person, excluding food. For those seeking more convenience and luxury, numerous hotels are available, including a three-star hotel in both Diphu and Dimapur.
How to Reach to the Venue of KYF
The Karbi People’s Hall, the centerstage of KYF is 6 km from Diphu. Reaching Diphu is facilitated by multiple modes of transportation. The nearest airport is in Dimapur, just 54 km away from Diphu.
For those traveling by road, Guwahati is approximately 270 km away, with private transport services connecting Diphu to major destinations across Assam. The district boasts a well-connected network of roads, intersected by NH-37 to the north and NH-39 to the east.
In terms of rail travel, Diphu and Dimapur serve as crucial railway stations, ensuring convenient connectivity to other cities within Assam and across India. Whether by air, road, or rail, Karbi Anglong offers accessibility through various transportation options for travellers to explore its scenic landscapes and cultural treasures.
FAQs Regarding Karbi Youth Festival (KYF)
Q: When was the KYF was organised for the first time?
A: Karbi Youth Festival was organised for the first time in the year 1974 in the month of December.
Q: Who was the first organiser of KYF?
A: Jonasing Terang and Roy Ingti.
A Few Glimpses of Karbi Yuva Mahotsav (Photo sourced from Facebook @Karbiyouthfestival)
