EMPOWERING TRADITION: NCC BACKS THE SEL KAMBANG FESTIVAL

The Sel Kambang Festival was launched in 2018 and has been held for six consecutive years in Kiunga, Western Province. This vibrant celebration showcases authentic cultural practices and has garnered the attention of National Cultural Commission officials.


The Sel Kambang Festival is held annually in Kiunga from September 17th to 20th. This unique event celebrates the cultural significance of the sel kambang (penis gourd), which has long been a part of men’s traditional attire.


The Sel Kambang are worn by boys while the married men wear sels that bend upward displaying their maturity, however, women and girls wear grass skirts with minimal coverage, a practice that has evolved over the last decade.


It was noted that while men prepare for the festival, women and girls are not permitted to see their nakedness, as doing so carries serious lifelong consequences, even if accidental. The bows and arrows serve as essential tools for both security and hunting. Other details remain undisclosed due to a lack of permission to share.


Presented at the event was Hon. James Donald Member of North Fly Open, representing the Executive Director of National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda is Mr. Paul Simon (Executive Manager Policy, Research, and Regulatory, NCC), and Mr, Alex Puki (Research Manager, NCC), local leaders and other dignitaries.


Hon. James Donald said, ” I want to express my gratitude to NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda for his continuous support of this newly launched festival, which is not only gaining popularity but also holds significant economic potential. It is inspiring to see a community so dedicated to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere rooted in their cultural beliefs—something truly unique in Papua New Guinea.”


Mr. Simon said, “The Sel Kambang Festival is a vibrant celebration of our cultural heritage. It showcases the rich traditions that define us and serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite our community. Through this festival, we honor our ancestors and pass on our customs to future generations, ensuring that our identity remains strong and alive.”


The National Cultural Commission (NCC) recently allocated K10,000 to support the Sel Kambang Festival, reflecting its dedication to preserving and promoting Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage. This funding is intended to enhance various festival activities, allowing for greater community participation and showcasing traditional practices. The NCC acknowledges the festival’s potential to not only celebrate local customs but also to stimulate economic growth in the region. By investing in the Sel Kambang Festival, the NCC aims to strengthen community ties and ensure the sustainability of this vibrant cultural event for future generations.

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EMPOWERING TRADITION: NCC BACKS THE SEL KAMBANG FESTIVAL

The Sel Kambang Festival was launched in 2018 and has been held for six consecutive years in Kiunga, Western Province. This vibrant celebration showcases authentic cultural practices and has garnered the attention of National Cultural Commission officials.


The Sel Kambang Festival is held annually in Kiunga from September 17th to 20th. This unique event celebrates the cultural significance of the sel kambang (penis gourd), which has long been a part of men’s traditional attire.


The Sel Kambang are worn by boys while the married men wear sels that bend upward displaying their maturity, however, women and girls wear grass skirts with minimal coverage, a practice that has evolved over the last decade.


It was noted that while men prepare for the festival, women and girls are not permitted to see their nakedness, as doing so carries serious lifelong consequences, even if accidental. The bows and arrows serve as essential tools for both security and hunting. Other details remain undisclosed due to a lack of permission to share.


Presented at the event was Hon. James Donald Member of North Fly Open, representing the Executive Director of National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda is Mr. Paul Simon (Executive Manager Policy, Research, and Regulatory, NCC), and Mr, Alex Puki (Research Manager, NCC), local leaders and other dignitaries.


Hon. James Donald said, ” I want to express my gratitude to NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda for his continuous support of this newly launched festival, which is not only gaining popularity but also holds significant economic potential. It is inspiring to see a community so dedicated to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere rooted in their cultural beliefs—something truly unique in Papua New Guinea.”


Mr. Simon said, “The Sel Kambang Festival is a vibrant celebration of our cultural heritage. It showcases the rich traditions that define us and serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite our community. Through this festival, we honor our ancestors and pass on our customs to future generations, ensuring that our identity remains strong and alive.”


The National Cultural Commission (NCC) recently allocated K10,000 to support the Sel Kambang Festival, reflecting its dedication to preserving and promoting Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage. This funding is intended to enhance various festival activities, allowing for greater community participation and showcasing traditional practices. The NCC acknowledges the festival’s potential to not only celebrate local customs but also to stimulate economic growth in the region. By investing in the Sel Kambang Festival, the NCC aims to strengthen community ties and ensure the sustainability of this vibrant cultural event for future generations.

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Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings, achievements, and upcoming events in the NCC community. Our newsletters will feature inspiring stories, interviews with cadets and officers, and highlights from various NCC units across the country