The Bilum Festival will be staged for the first time in Papua New Guinea and will be held on the Karkar Island in Madang Province from June 3-5.
The Karkar Island Bilum Festival (KIBF) is also the first cultural event to be staged this year.
The festival is the first show of its kind to be held on Karkar Island as the women on the island are famous for their traditional bilum weaving skills.
Chairman for the KIBF Pholas Yongole said the festival is on schedule and the preparations are well on the way.
“There are many ways in which the public can take part in the festival and one is through either information or stalls.
“We are receiving overwhelming support from people all around the country as it’s a first of its kind, promoting Karkar bilum and the identity of Karkar people,” Yongole said.
He said the major players in the show and the programs will be the Karkar women.
Activities during the three days include a bilum show and the process of how Karkar bilums are made.
There will be a bilum parade, flower show and demonstration of how a special Karkar dish is made from galip nuts (purong).
Traditional singsing will be part of the celebration as well.
The PNG Electoral Commission has confirmed to put up a stall for their display on awareness for National Election next year.
Business houses confirmed to support the show with stalls so far are Coca-Cola Amatil and BSP Bank, with more business organisations in Madang showing interest.
Picture by James Kila