By Godwin Eki – EMTV News, Port Moresby
North Fly District in the Western Province hosted its first-ever Sel Kambang Festival last week, showcasing the various types of traditional dancing, costumes, and old traditional customs.
Member for North Fly and Patron for the Sel Kambang Festival, James Donald, says the event was aimed at showcasing the districts untapped tradition waiting to be uncovered.
Traditional singsing groups of various tribes showcased a collection of cultural costumes at the Sel Kambang Festival ranging from the feathers of the Bird of Paradise and other native birds, three tree bark and coconut leaves were also painted in ash and charcoal, and other bush materials significant to each of the tribes.
The dancers danced, chanted and displayed various traditional performances on the stage.
Participating groups came from Telefomin, Star Mountain, Central Olsobip, Ningerum, Mandobo tribe, Yongom, Aeykom, Faiwal, and West Papua.
Present to witness the festival were representatives from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission, stakeholders and local member and patron of the Sel Kambang Festival, James Donald.
Member of the Sel Kambang Festival organising committee, Karu Philly, says the event was a way of bringing together different tribes in the district, but also to educate the people on how important their culture and traditions are.
Colin Taimbari from PNG TPA says the event has the potential to lure tourists and generate revenue.
The Sel Kambang Festival Committee is considering changing the dates of the festival from June to September due to wet weather conditions in the months of June and July.
Patron of Sel Kambang Festival and local member James Donald says preparation to host its next cultural show have already started. He says other factors such as airfares and accommodation for tourist will be considered where cost are to be subsidised by the District.
