Organisers of the 2026 Puus Kaat Annual Cultural Festival have unveiled plans to integrate digital innovation into cultural preservation, as part of efforts to keep Mwaghavul traditions relevant for future generations.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Jerry Satmark, disclosed this during a press conference announcing the forthcoming festival, describing the event as a strategic move to bridge tradition with modern technology.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Mwaghavul Heritage, Digital Future: Preserving Culture Through Innovation,” reflects the community’s commitment to safeguarding its ancestral legacy while embracing contemporary tools.
According to him, the festival has remained a symbol of unity and identity for the Mwaghavul people, adding that the 2026 edition will elevate the cultural experience by leveraging innovation to broaden participation and visibility.
“While we are deeply committed to safeguarding our ancestral legacy, we are equally determined to harness modern innovation. By doing so, we ensure our traditions do not just survive but thrive,” he said.
Satmark explained that the festival will feature a variety of activities designed to promote culture, youth engagement and community wellbeing.
These include a marathon race, Miss Culture pageant, symposium, traditional Tubbwor games and a community medical outreach.
He further announced that the festival will run from April 22 to April 25, 2026, with the grand finale scheduled for April 25, following approval by relevant cultural and government authorities.
He noted that the opening day will feature tours of local landmarks, an awareness rally and the official ceremony, while subsequent days will include storytelling sessions, film and music night, symposium, cultural competitions and a grand cultural procession.
Describing Puus Kaat as more than a cultural event, Satmark said it serves as a platform for youth empowerment, tourism promotion and peaceful coexistence.
He called on visitors, partners and the media to support the initiative, stressing that the festival aims to showcase the creativity and resilience of the Mwaghavul people to a wider audience.
“Puus Kaat is more than a festival — it is a movement. It is a catalyst for tourism, a platform for our youth, and a bridge toward lasting peace,” he added.
