SHERGAON, 3 Sep: The second edition of music festival 'Shergaon Quest' is set to be held here in West Kameng district from 17 and 18 October, under the theme 'The Hills Sing. The Heart Listens.'
More than a music festival, it is a gathering that brings together indigenous artists, storytellers, writers, farmers, birders, outdoor enthusiasts and local communities in a shared celebration of culture, nature and memory, the organisers informed in a release.
Powered by Taksar Lu Farms in association with Redberry Riverbee Retreat and OK North East, with the music section curated by Music Malt, the festival seeks to highlight the living cultural heritage of the Sherdukpen people while creating a space where diverse traditions from across Northeast India can meet and be appreciated.
"At its heart, Shergaon Folk Quest is about people and the stories they carry. When an elder passes away, we do not just lose a person. We often lose songs, stories, memories and knowledge that may never be documented anywhere. This festival is our small attempt to ensure that these voices continue to find listeners. If even a few young people leave feeling more connected to their roots, we will consider it a success," said Jim Ankan Deka, co-founder of Shergaon Folk Quest.
At the heart of this year's edition is a literature conversation that explores the historical, cultural and folkloric connections between the Sherdukpen community and the Ahoms of Assam. Moderated by Shergaon-based writer Sange Norbu Thungon, the discussion will draw upon oral traditions, community memories and shared histories that have connected people across the region for generations.
Storytelling will form another cornerstone of the festival. The sessions will be led by Sonam Genchen Trangpodar of Morshing, founder of the acclaimed Kunphen Residential School. A respected educator and community leader, Trangpodar left a successful career in the Indian Army to establish a school in a remote region, so that children from interior villages could have access to quality education. Through stories inspired by mountains, forests, ancestors, spirits, journeys and community life, he hopes to revive the tradition of storytelling that once connected grandparents and grandchildren through shared wisdom and imagination.
Music remains central to Shergaon Folk Quest. The festival will feature traditional and contemporary performances by artists from different communities and regions, including Rinchin Norbu Thongchi of Jigaon, Nima Dorjee of Dirang, Pema Tashi Trangpodar of Morshing, the Monpa Institute of Performing Arts (MIPA), acclaimed Assamese singer Arupjyoti Baruah, the folk-fusion ensemble FolkAGeet and several other artists and cultural groups.
Beyond the stage, the festival will shine a light on Shergaon's remarkable biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems. Nestled within the Eastern Himalayas, the region is known for its forests, birdlife, medicinal plants, wild mushrooms, mountain fruits and indigenous agricultural practices. Much of this knowledge continues to survive within local communities but remains relatively undocumented.
"Shergaon has always been much more than a beautiful destination. Our dream is that people leave with more than photographs. We want them to leave with an understanding of the Sherdukpen way of life, the richness of our biodiversity, and the values of community, respect for nature and cultural continuity that have sustained these mountains for generations," said Ngawang Tsering Thungon, founder of Taksar Lu Farms and co-founder of Shergaon Folk Quest.
Local farms and artisans will showcase apples, mountain produce and handmade products, while women from the village will prepare traditional meals featuring local herbs, indigenous ingredients and regional delicacies. The organisers believe that food, like music and stories, carries the memory of a place and its people.
The inaugural edition of Shergaon Folk Quest in 2025 had welcomed approximately 550 guests and featured artists from across Northeast India, along with a visiting musician from France. The response highlighted a growing interest in experiences that bring together culture, nature and community in an authentic setting.
As Shergaon Folk Quest enters its second year, its vision remains simple yet ambitious: to create a platform where traditions are not merely displayed but lived, shared and celebrated. In a rapidly changing world, the festival hopes to encourage deeper conversations about cultural preservation, ecological awareness, and the importance of listening to the voices that emerge from villages, forests and mountains.
For two days in October, Shergaon will become a meeting ground for music, literature, storytelling, nature and community. More importantly, it will offer a reminder that some of the most valuable stories of our time are still being carried by people, places and traditions that exist far from the spotlight.
Organiser contact details:
Shergaon Folk Quest - 91012 12782
Jim Ankan Deka - 99549 96218
Gombu T Thungon - 84140 27723
Ngawang Tsering Thungon - 98635 68187
Website: http://www.taksarlufarmstay.com
Email: shergaonfolkquest@gmail.com.
