ASSAM: The Karbi Youth Festival is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary with an incredible display of cultural heritage. This festival aims to revive traditional games that have sadly become less common within the Karbi community, and it has been largely funded by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). By bringing attention to these disappearing traditions, this celebration serves as both a symbol of cultural pride and a means of preserving important aspects of their history for future generations.
This year's continuing celebration in India's Northeast, which has been a vital cultural occasion, will have the distinction of welcoming an esteemed visitor. President Droupadi Murmu is slated to attend on January 17th , making it an unprecedented moment for any ethnicity-centered event held within the region. This act exemplifies wider acknowledgment of traditional customs' inherent cultural value among members of the Karbi community.
In this year's KYF, a notable feature is the celebration of customary games that formed an essential part of Karbi culture. Primarily among them is Hambi Kepathu – a game steeped in history. Although males dominate its current iteration, it was actually named after Ham Tungjang - a young woman from Karbi who invented it alongside her brother Bi Tungjang. Dilip Kathar, KAAC’s research officer for tribal customs reveals how these games have transformed over time; citing that originally played throughout the day and comprising 25 stages but practical issues led to shorter versions being adopted as years went by.
The main objective of the festival is not only to exhibit these customary games but also strive to reignite people's passion for safeguarding them. Hambi Kepathu, along with other Karbi traditions, holds immense cultural value that extends beyond mere pastime activities. The event spotlighted various games such as Sekserek and Hon Kejeng played exclusively by women while offering gender-neutral alternatives like Sansuri Kachivung and Keron too.
By putting a strong focus on reviving traditional games, KYF creates an opportunity for cultural exchange and the transmission of ancestral knowledge to younger generations. As the festival progresses, it becomes evident that cultural resilience is at its core - reminding everyone present about preserving and celebrating Karbi community's diverse heritage.
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