The decline of militancy in Assam's Karbi Anglong District has given a boost to the region in terms of socio-cultural development.
Recently, the district played host to the Eighth Rongthean Festival, where members of twelve different tribes like the Karbi, Kuki; Vheipes, Assamese, Nagas and Dimasa took part.
The three-day festival showcased the socio-cultural panorama of the region and also symbolized unity. he Rongthean Klimsomer Club organized it with the support of state and central departments and with the help of private sponsorships.
The main objective of the Rongthean Festival is to promote and preserve the culture of the region, which has been slowly taken away by modernization. We also want to promote our age-old traditions and skills to the younger generation," said Chiratin, the president of the Klimsomer Club.
To preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the district, a small market was set up at the festival venue, which showcased traditional Karbi attires, artificial jewellery, decorative items made from wood and Karbi cuisine.
Participants also took part in several competitions in various age groups.
A marathon was also organized to promote sports and sports persons of the area.
The fun filled affair also provided a platform for promoting Karbi fashion. Models in traditional attires walked the ramp and young artists sang and danced to folk tunes at a cultural night during the event.
"Karbi Anglong is a backward area. We organized this festival to develop the region and promote the youth of the region. We have included sports, cultural and educational events in the festival to promote the development of the youth," said Maria, a resident of Rongthean Village
The main attraction of the festival was the second Karbi Anglong Beat Contest, which attracted ten top rock bands of the country.
The contest was organized under the aegis of Eastern Beats Music Society that promotes music in the region.
Dementia, a popular rock band from Nagaland bagged the first prize.
"People of Rongthean village at this time of the year can come together and enhance the feeling of bonhomie and brotherhood that can go a long way in promoting the social and communal harmony," Ayushman Dutta, Secretary, Eastern Beats Music Society.
The region was once affected by militancy, but now peaceful and the new dawn of hope is clearly visible. (ANI)
