The Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness captivating cultural performances from across the Southern Highlands. This festival highlights the cultural significance of the Kundu drum and Digaso oil in the traditions of the Kutubu people, celebrating their heritage in the Southern Highlands Province.

The Festival brings together over 40 indigenous cultures to celebrate the cultural significance of the Kundu drum and the traditional trade of Digaso oil among the Kutubu people. Beyond its cultural importance, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving traditional practices and protecting the rich biodiversity of the Lake Kutubu region. They also celebrate over 22 artistic modern music groups from different parts of the region.

Representing the Executive Director of National Cultural Commission Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda is Mr. Bola Noho, the Cultural Service Manager at National Cultural Commission.

Mr. Noho said, “We are experiencing an identity crisis in PNG, and we must start teaching our children their original cultures. Festivals like this provide the perfect venue to showcase and instill traditional values in the younger generation.”

He also emphasized the importance of cultural registrations and provided forms to the organizing committee to register with the organization.

The festival featured traditional performances, emphasizing the cultural importance of both Fish Tailed and Short Tailed kundus. It also showcased age-old methods of extracting essential oils from local trees, along with traditional tapa making, and the production of soaps and body perfumes.

The National Cultural Commission showed its strong support for the Kutubu Kundu and Digaso Festival by presenting a cheque of K10,000 to the event organizers. This contribution underscores the Commission’s commitment to promoting and preserving cultural heritage.

The festival was a resounding success, bringing the community together in celebration of its diverse traditions. Through captivating performances and engaging displays, people of all ages had the opportunity to enjoy and connect with their cultural heritage.