The Mising Youth Festival (MYF) is a prominent cultural event initiated in 1996 by the Takam Mising Porin Kébang (TMPK) to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich traditions of the Mising community. Over the years, it has grown into a large regional festival that attracts thousands of attendees, including artists, artisans, youth leaders, and representatives from various tribes and communities across Northeast India and beyond. The festival showcases traditional music, dance, folk arts, and craft demonstrations, serving as a vibrant platform for intergenerational cultural exchange and community bonding.
Beyond its celebratory aspect, MYF emphasizes the importance of preserving endangered art forms, promoting handloom and handicrafts, and fostering a sense of unity among diverse tribal groups. The event also provides opportunities for youth to engage with achievements in arts and culture, encouraging civic responsibility and leadership. Its inclusiveness is evident in the participation from almost all tribes and communities of the northeastern region, highlighting regional diversity and harmony.
Over the years, MYF has gained prominence with participation from public leaders, including the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma who pledged government support and helped secure a permanent venue at Kareng Chapori near Bogibeel Bridge. Today, MYF stands as a beacon of cultural pride, youth leadership, and communal unity in the region.
The first Mising Youth Festival was held from February 15 to 18, 1996, at the historic Patiri Gaon in Kulajan, Dhemaji district. The central organizing president and secretary were the late Chengaram Morang and Shri Parmananda Chayengia, respectively. Initially, the Dhemaji district administration imposed restrictions on the event, prompting the central organizing committee to approach the High Court. The court’s verdict stated: “The Mising Youth Festival commencing from 15-02-96 shall be conducted without any hindrance or disturbance.” Following this ruling, the restrictions were withdrawn, and thousands of spectators witnessed the successful inaugural festival at Kulajan.
The second festival took place from January 16 to 19, 1997, at Jonai in Dhemaji district, coinciding with Shilpi Divas. Chengaram Morang and Parmananda Chayengia again served as president and secretary. The theme was “Preserve and enrich our rich heritage. Make culture the weapon of unity and struggle.” Dr. Jayanta Rongpi was the chief guest.
The third MYF was held from April 18 to 21, 2000, at Patirichuk, Dhemaji, with the slogan “Build public culture for a healthy society. Through folk culture, create unity, harmony, and struggle.”
The fourth festival, February 12–15, 2004, at Samannay Kshetra, Gogamukh, Dhemaji, featured world-renowned artist and Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika as chief guest. He significantly amplified the festival’s objectives. Prominent Mising artist Ganesh Pegu, known as “Oi Appun,” performed alongside Bhupen Hazarika, enchanting attendees with a soul-touching duet of “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” and its Mising translation “Tanibí tani logapé.”
The fifth MYF, held February 9–12, 2012, also at Gogamukh, reaffirmed the universal truth that “An artist belongs to no particular community, language, or boundary — the whole world is their home.” This edition was dedicated to the memory of Bhupen Hazarika, with his brother, Samar Hazarika, as chief guest.
The sixth festival occurred in 2014 at Okajan, Silapathar, Dhemaji district, led by central organizing president Eklabya Gam and secretary Bhuban Pegu.
The seventh MYF took place March 3–6, 2020, at Jengraimukh, Majuli. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and legendary singer Usha Mangeshkar graced the event. Usha Mangeshkar addressed the audience in Mising, elevating the event’s dignity. The festival was organized under the leadership of Eklabya Gam and Bhuban Pegu.
The eighth MYF was held February 2–5, 2023, at Chumoni Gaon, Gogamukh, Dhemaji district, marking the Golden Jubilee year of TMPK and the 8th edition of MYF. Ladakhi education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was a special guest. The festival featured elaborate traditional houses constructed from about 22,000 bamboo sticks. It showcased many vanishing folk traditions to connect the younger generation with their roots.
The ninth MYF took place February 4–7, 2024, at Kareng Chapori, Dhemaji district. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma praised TMPK’s efforts and announced a Government of Assam grant of ₹1 crore annually for the festival. He declared Kareng Chapori as the permanent venue and expressed his intention to stay overnight at future festivals. This historic decision provides an open platform for talented rural and urban Mising youth.