The 9th North East Youth Festival 2026 organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, began on March 18 at Chumoukedima Football Stadium.
Addressing the inaugural program as the special guest, Nagaland, Governor, Nand Kishore Yadav thanked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, for entrusting Nagaland with the responsibility of hosting the festival.
The Governor welcomed delegates from all eight North Eastern States, along with participants from MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme who had come from different parts of the country. He said their presence reflects the spirit of unity, cultural exchange and youth participation.
The Governor stated that the festival aims to promote unity, cultural exchange and harmony among the youth. Referring to the theme “Ashtalakshmi: Celebrating Eight Forces of Youth and Progress,” he said it reflects the energy and potential of young people in the region.
He encouraged the participants to actively take part in the various events, interact with one another and build lasting friendships. He also stressed the important role of youth in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and urged them to contribute towards development and progress.
The Governor further called upon the youth to act as ambassadors of their states and the region, and to promote values of respect, cooperation and understanding. He also appreciated the efforts of the Ministry, the State Government and all those involved in organising the festival.
Advisor Youth Resources and Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, in his welcome address, extended greetings to all the participants and guests attending the programme. He said the festival marks a celebration of unity, diversity and the talents of youth from across the North Eastern States.
He stated that the festival provides a platform for young people to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and build friendships. He encouraged the participants to take part in the activities, appreciate each other’s cultures and make the most of the opportunity. He expressed hope that the festival would be meaningful and memorable for all and wished the participants a pleasant stay and successful participation.
Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shiv Ratan, thanked the Government of Nagaland for hosting the festival and appreciated the arrangements made for the event and commended the State for its hospitality.
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He said that the North East Youth Festival is an important platform that reflects the spirit of unity in diversity. He stated that the eight North Eastern States are an important part of the country’s cultural identity and the festival aims to strengthen bonds among the youth and promote mutual understanding. He also highlighted the importance of youth in national development and said the Government is working towards creating more opportunities for young people.
Earlier, the inaugural programme commenced with an invocation by Rev. A Temsu Longkumer, Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Chumoukedima followed by the introduction and parade of contingents from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim and Nagaland, a special performance by students of Grace Academy, Dimapur, and cultural presentations by participating states featuring a martial arts demonstration by the Nagaland contingent.
