SEPPA, Oct 22: The East Kameng district administration and the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) have reviewed preparations for the three-day 7th Indigenous Youth Festival (IYF) 2026, scheduled to be held at Seppa from November 12 to 14.
A coordination meeting was held at Abotani Hall in the District Secretariat on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Home and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung to discuss arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Themed around the concept “Reimagining the Festival Experience”, this year’s edition aims to move beyond cultural performances and celebrations by encouraging greater participation of young people, interaction among indigenous communities and a deeper understanding of their cultural roots.
The festival will centre on three principles — Identity, Interaction and Legacy — with the objective of strengthening cultural identity, fostering unity among indigenous communities and encouraging younger generations to preserve and carry forward their ancestral traditions.
The three-day event will follow the themes “Discover Your Identity” on the first day, “Learn from Each Other” on the second and “Carry It Forward” on the concluding day.
The programme will feature folk and war dances, storytelling, handicraft exhibitions, indigenous cuisine and traditional sports. Major attractions will include the Indigenous Warrior Challenge, archery, shot put, arm wrestling and tug of war, showcasing the skills, strength and cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of making the festival a regular feature of the annual calendar. Held once every three years, the Indigenous Youth Festival is organised under the aegis of IFCSAP and serves as a platform for bringing indigenous communities together and promoting cultural awareness among the youth.
The upcoming edition seeks to strengthen inter-community bonds and inspire young people to take pride in their heritage while preserving indigenous faith, values and traditions for future generations.