First Indigenous Folk Instrument Playing Festival 2026 was organised by the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council to preserve folk traditions and protect fading musical practices of Assam’s ethnic communities. The event aimed to revive interest among young performers while documenting traditional knowledge for future generations.
The festival aimed to preserve, promote, and showcase traditional indigenous musical instruments of Assam and the Northeast region. The festival showcased instruments such as Kham, Serja, Gamani, Kara-Nal, Kaliya, Dhol, Badungdupa, Brangchi, Sigaring and the A·chik Drum, highlighting Assam’s diverse cultural soundscape and its deep links with rituals, festivals, and community life. Artists and performers from different indigenous communities participated, presenting traditional musical performances using native instruments. The event focused on raising awareness among the younger generation about the cultural heritage and folk traditions of indigenous communities.
