Feb. 23: The second Northeast Karbi youth festival 2004, organised by the Karbi Cultural Society, North East Co-ordination Committee, will begin at Fong-Ari in Sonapur.

The cultural night will be inaugurated by minister for sports and youth welfare Robin Bordoloi and feature group drum-beating and a Karbi fashion show. “The Karbis have their distinctive culture which we want to showcase to the outside world. This year’s theme for the festival is cultural integration of the Karbis”, said Dhiren Ingti, general secretary, reception committee.

The first Northeast Karbi festival coinciding with the 29th youth festival was held last year at Fong-Ari, Kamrup, with the theme Northeast Karbi reconciliation.

On Wednesday, a traditional sports competition will be inaugurated by Loknath Mahanta, sub-divisional commissioner, Sonapur. The events include thai-ke-ap and hon kejang, kengdongdang and khangra-anghor races, sar amei, simultaneous group and solo events, kan pangrum. The added attraction will be Simple Minds, a Karbi rock band and some lighter moments.

An interactive session of artists on the theme Problems and Prospects of Karbi Unity will be held on the occasion. The open session-cum-prize distribution ceremony will be presided over by the chairman of the cultural society. The chief guest at the closing invocation will be J.I. Kathar, commissioner, transport, Guwahati.