The 9th North East Youth Festival 2026, organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the State’s Department of Youth Resources and Sports, has started at the Chumoukedima Football Stadium in Nagaland. Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, speaking as the special guest at the opening ceremony, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for choosing the State to host the festival. He welcomed delegates from all eight North Eastern states, as well as participants from MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme, emphasizing the values of unity, cultural exchange, and active youth involvement.
The Governor highlighted the festival’s aim to foster unity, harmony, and cultural exchange among young individuals. With this year’s theme being “Ashtalakshmi: Celebrating Eight Forces of Youth and Progress,” he underlined the energy, diversity, and immense potential of the region’s youth. Encouraging active participation in various events, interaction among participants, and the building of lasting friendships, he stressed the youth’s crucial role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, in his welcome speech, extended greetings to all attendees and described the festival as a celebration of unity in diversity and a platform for showcasing the talents of youth from the North Eastern states. He urged participants to engage wholeheartedly, embrace each other’s cultures, and seize the opportunities presented. Expressing hope for a meaningful and memorable festival, he emphasized the importance of youth in nation-building and the commitment to providing more opportunities for them.
Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shiv Ratan, expressed gratitude to the Government of Nagaland for hosting the festival and praised the arrangements and hospitality extended to participants. He highlighted the festival’s role as a significant platform for strengthening bonds among youth and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region. Underscoring the youth’s importance in nation-building, he reiterated the government’s dedication to creating additional opportunities for young people.
The festival’s inaugural program commenced with an invocation by Rev. A. Temsu Longkumer, Pastor of Police Baptist Church, Chumoukedima, followed by the introduction and parade of contingents from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and Nagaland. The event also included a special performance by students of Grace Academy, Dimapur, and vibrant cultural displays by participating states, featuring a martial arts demonstration by the Nagaland contingent.
