FolkTea Festival 2026: Experience Assam's Tea Heritage, Folk Culture and Music in Biswanath
Assam's tea gardens are more than beautiful stretches of green landscape. They represent generations of history, livelihoods, community traditions and cultural exchange. Bringing these elements together, the FolkTea Festival 2026 is set to return for its sixth edition on November 28 and 29, 2026, at Hatipoti Tea Estate in Pabhoi, Biswanath district, Assam.
Organised by the Nanda Talukdar Foundation in association with Hatipoti Tea, the two-day celebration aims to present Assam tea as an important part of the state's cultural identity rather than simply an agricultural product. Through folk music, traditional performances, indigenous games, local food, storytelling and tourism-related activities, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to explore the heritage of Assam's tea-growing communities.
The 2026 edition will also include a gathering for entrepreneurs and business leaders, a special car rally towards the Arunachal Pradesh border and an evening of cultural performances. With a tea estate as its setting, FolkTea offers a different way to experience the culture and landscape of North Assam.
FolkTea Festival 2026: Important Details
| Event Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | FolkTea Festival 2026 |
| Edition | 6th Edition |
| Dates | November 28–29, 2026 |
| Venue | Hatipoti Tea Estate, Pabhoi, Biswanath, Assam |
| PIN Code | 784174 |
| Organisers | Nanda Talukdar Foundation in association with Hatipoti Tea |
| Main Attractions | Folk music, cultural performances, indigenous games, traditional sports and tea garden experiences |
| Day 1 | Gala Evening and Founders' Club Retreat |
| Day 2 | Main FolkTea Festival |
| Public Entry | Free on November 29 |
| Official Website | www.folktea.in |
| folkteaassam@gmail.com | |
| Contact Number | +91 92116 72557 |
What Is the FolkTea Festival?
FolkTea is a cultural festival that connects Assam's tea heritage with the traditions of the communities associated with the state's tea-growing landscape. Instead of focusing only on tea production and its commercial value, the festival highlights the people, customs, music, food and local experiences that form an important part of this heritage.
The event provides a platform for folk artists, cultural performers, artisans, entrepreneurs and visitors to interact in a setting surrounded by tea gardens. It also aims to encourage tourism in Biswanath and the wider North Bank region of Assam.
The sixth edition continues this approach by combining cultural activities with business networking and opportunities to explore nearby natural destinations.
FolkTea Festival 2026 Dates and Venue
The sixth edition of FolkTea Festival will take place on November 28 and 29, 2026, at Hatipoti Tea Estate, located in Pabhoi, Biswanath district, Assam.
The tea estate setting is an important part of the festival experience. Visitors can enjoy the surroundings of a working tea-growing landscape while experiencing music, traditional activities and community celebrations.
The two days have different formats. November 28 is designed around an invitation-based Gala Evening and the Founders' Club Retreat, while November 29 is the main public festival day, with free entry.
FolkTea Festival 2026 Schedule and Programme
The 2026 programme is divided into two days, combining cultural performances, networking, traditional games and outdoor experiences.
Day 1: November 28, 2026 - Gala Evening and Founders' Club Retreat
The opening day will focus on the Founders' Club Retreat and the FolkTea Gala Evening. The retreat is intended to bring together entrepreneurs, startup founders and business leaders from Assam and other parts of India for networking, discussions and potential collaborations.
The programme is invitation-based. The listed schedule includes:
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM–12:30 PM | Assembly at Marnoi Dhaba, Sootea |
| 12:30 PM–1:00 PM | Lunch at Marnoi Dhaba |
| 1:30 PM | Departure for guests opting for the Northern Range Jeep Safari |
| 3:00 PM | Arrival and assembly at Hatipoti Tea Estate |
| 3:00 PM–4:45 PM | Welcome, interaction and photography |
| 4:45 PM | Opening remarks |
| 5:00 PM–5:30 PM | Sky Lantern Release |
| 5:30 PM–5:40 PM | Digitizing Assam presentation and call for support |
| 5:40 PM–7:00 PM | Hirak Jyoti Sharma Folk Ensemble |
| 7:00 PM–7:30 PM | Matcha: From Leaf to Cup |
| 7:30 PM–8:00 PM | Theatre performance directed by Nayan Prasad |
| 8:00 PM–9:30 PM | Musical evening with Maitreyee Patar |
| 9:30 PM–9:35 PM | Vote of thanks and acknowledgement |
| 9:35 PM–10:00 PM | Gala dinner amidst the tea gardens |
| 10:00 PM onwards | Stargazing, camping, music and bonfire |
The evening is planned to offer more than a conventional stage programme. Visitors attending through the relevant registration arrangements can enjoy informal musical interactions, camping and a night under the open sky. Local brew and barbecued pork are listed as items available for purchase.
Campsite access and accommodation should be confirmed in advance with the organisers.
Founders' Club Retreat: Business Networking in Assam
One of the notable additions to the 2026 programme is the Founders' Club Retreat on November 28. It is planned as a gathering of entrepreneurs, startup founders and business leaders.
The initiative aims to encourage conversations around business opportunities, entrepreneurship, investment and collaboration in the Northeast. By bringing a business-focused gathering into a cultural festival, FolkTea seeks to connect Assam's heritage and tourism potential with its emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Interested participants should check the official website for registration and eligibility details.
Day 2: November 29, 2026 - Main FolkTea Festival
November 29 is the main public festival day. Entry is listed as free, making it the most accessible day for general visitors and families.
The programme includes:
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Fun Car Rally towards the Arunachal Pradesh border |
| 10:30 AM–2:00 PM | Indigenous Tea-Tribe Games and Traditional Sports |
| 4:30 PM | Official inauguration of FolkTea Festival |
| 5:30 PM onwards | Tanmoy Saikia Night |
| Evening and night | Camping, informal gatherings and stargazing |
The car rally requires separate registration. Visitors interested in participating should check the official event website for the route, eligibility and registration instructions.
The indigenous games and traditional sports are among the distinctive attractions of the festival. Activities listed for this edition include rooster fight, dart games, Fetê and other traditional community games. These activities provide an opportunity to learn about recreational traditions associated with local communities.
The evening programme will conclude with Tanmoy Saikia Night, bringing music and entertainment to the festival grounds.
Folk Music, Theatre and Cultural Experiences
Music and cultural expression form the heart of FolkTea. The festival creates space for folk artists and performers to present traditional sounds and artistic practices in a natural tea garden environment.
The first evening's programme includes the Hirak Jyoti Sharma Folk Ensemble and a theatre performance directed by Nayan Prasad, followed by a musical evening with Maitreyee Patar. The second day features Tanmoy Saikia Night.
Alongside the scheduled performances, the festival's wider cultural purpose is to bring attention to the music, stories, traditional attire and community practices of Assam's tea-growing regions.
Tea, Local Food and Traditional Community Life
Tea is central to the identity of the festival. Assam is internationally recognised for its tea, but FolkTea seeks to tell a broader story about the relationship between tea, the land and the people who have shaped the region's tea culture.
The programme includes a presentation titled "Matcha: From Leaf to Cup", while the festival's wider theme encourages visitors to explore tea experiences and the cultural history surrounding the industry.
Local food and traditional preparations are also part of the event atmosphere. Visitors can look forward to learning about regional culinary traditions and the role of food in community gatherings. Specific stalls and menus may vary, so visitors should check the latest programme before travelling.
Explore Biswanath and Assam's North Bank Region
FolkTea is also an opportunity to discover the tourism potential of Biswanath and the wider North Bank region. The area offers tea gardens, river landscapes, rural settlements and routes leading towards the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh.
The organisers have highlighted the Northern Range of Kaziranga National Park as part of the wider tourism experience. Guests opting for the relevant safari arrangement on November 28 are scheduled to depart from the tea estate route after lunch.
The November 29 car rally is planned towards the Arunachal Pradesh border. It is intended to showcase the landscapes and emerging tourism routes of this part of Assam.
Places and Routes to Explore Around the Festival
Northern Range of Kaziranga: The Northern Range offers a different perspective on the Kaziranga landscape and is an option for visitors interested in wildlife and nature. Safari access must be arranged according to park rules and availability.
Biswanath Ghat: Known for its riverine setting and connection with the Brahmaputra landscape, Biswanath Ghat can be considered for a short excursion from the town.
Pabhoi and the Tea Garden Landscape: The immediate surroundings of Hatipoti Tea Estate provide an opportunity to appreciate the rural landscape and tea-growing environment.
Route towards Arunachal Pradesh: The festival's planned car rally is intended to introduce visitors to the roads and scenery towards the Arunachal border. Independent travel beyond the event route should be planned with attention to road conditions and local guidance.
FolkTea Festival 2026 Tickets, Entry Fee and Registration
The entry arrangements differ between the two festival days.
November 28: The Gala Evening and Founders' Club Retreat are listed as invite-only. Registration and accommodation arrangements are available through the festival's official channels.
November 29: The main public festival day is listed as free entry. Visitors can attend the cultural programme and scheduled public activities without purchasing a general admission ticket, subject to any event-specific registration requirements.
Registration and Accommodation Packages
The festival registration information lists the following packages:
| Registration Category | Registration Deadline | Festival Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Birds | By November 10 | ₹1,500 |
| Middle Birds | By November 15 | ₹2,000 |
| Late Risers | By November 25 | ₹2,500 |
The Early Birds category lists 100 entries and includes a festival fee with Gala Dinner. The Middle Birds category lists 30 entries, while the Late Risers category lists 20 entries.
Accommodation is listed separately at ₹1,500 per person for twin sharing under the Early Birds option, with guaranteed accommodation indicated for that category. Accommodation is not guaranteed under the later registration categories.
These packages are intended for the relevant registered participants and should not be confused with free public entry on November 29. As registration availability, package conditions and deadlines can change, check the official website before making payment.
Official registration website: https://www.folktea.in/
How to Reach FolkTea Festival 2026
The festival venue is Hatipoti Tea Estate, Pabhoi, Biswanath district, Assam, with PIN code 784174. Visitors can travel to Biswanath Chariali by train, bus or private vehicle and arrange local transport to the tea estate.
By Train
Biswanath Chariali railway station is a useful railhead for reaching the festival area. Visitors can check train services from Guwahati Railway Station or Rangiya Junction towards Biswanath Chariali.
Train options mentioned in the travel information include:
Guwahati–North Lakhimpur Janshatabdi Express
Lachit Express
Donyi Polo Express
Train timings, stopping stations, journey duration and fares can change. Check the current Indian Railways or IRCTC schedule before booking.
By Bus
Regular bus services connect Guwahati with Biswanath Chariali, generally via Tezpur. Visitors can look for ASTC and private bus services departing from locations such as ISBT Guwahati, Khanapara and Paltan Bazar.
The road journey may take approximately 5.5–6.5 hours, depending on the starting point, traffic and road conditions.
By Car or Taxi
Visitors travelling by private car or taxi can reach Biswanath Chariali from Guwahati via the North Bank highway route through Tezpur. The approximate road distance is 200–225 km, although the actual distance and travel time depend on the chosen route and starting location.
From Biswanath Chariali town, local taxis or auto-rickshaws can be used to reach Hatipoti Tea Estate at Pabhoi. It is advisable to arrange the final transfer in advance, particularly if attending the evening programme.
Where to Stay During FolkTea Festival 2026
Visitors have two main accommodation choices: festival-arranged camping or twin-sharing accommodation at the tea estate, and hotels or guest houses in Biswanath Chariali.
Official Festival Camping and Accommodation
FolkTea offers an outdoor experience for participants who want to stay close to the festival atmosphere. Camping, bonfire gatherings and stargazing are included in the event's planned activities.
The registration information also lists twin-sharing accommodation at ₹1,500 per person under the Early Birds package. The availability of tents, rooms, facilities and meal arrangements should be confirmed directly with the organisers.
Hotels and Guest Houses in Biswanath Chariali
Visitors who prefer conventional hotel accommodation can consider the following properties in and around Biswanath Chariali. Contact details and room availability should be verified directly before making a reservation.
Eco-Resorts and Nature Stays
Visitors planning a longer North Bank or Kaziranga trip can also explore accommodation options around the Kaziranga region, including Vaani Greens, Diphlu River Lodge and TEJOMAYA Resort. These are separate travel bases rather than confirmed festival accommodation, so check their actual location and travel time before booking.
Important Travel Tips for Visitors
Book accommodation early if you plan to stay overnight during the festival.
Confirm whether you need an invitation or advance registration for the November 28 programme.
Remember that November 29 is listed as the free-entry public festival day.
Register separately if you want to participate in the car rally.
Confirm the Northern Range safari arrangements and availability before planning your journey around it.
Carry comfortable footwear for walking around the tea estate.
If camping, check what equipment and facilities are provided and what you need to bring.
Arrange local transport from Biswanath Chariali to Hatipoti Tea Estate in advance, especially for the evening programme.
Verify hotel phone numbers, room availability and current rates directly with each property.
Check the official festival website for the latest programme, registration conditions and any changes.
FolkTea Festival Contact Details
For registration, invitations, accommodation enquiries and programme updates, visitors can contact the organisers through the following channels:
Official Website: https://www.folktea.in/
Email: folkteaassam@gmail.com
Phone: +91 92116 72557
Venue: Hatipoti Tea Estate, Pabhoi, Biswanath, Assam - 784174
For the latest information, visitors should rely on the festival's official website and direct communication with the organisers.
Why You Should Visit FolkTea Festival 2026
FolkTea Festival offers an opportunity to experience Assam beyond its familiar tourist attractions. It brings together tea garden landscapes, indigenous traditions, folk performances, community games and local hospitality in one setting.
The 2026 edition also introduces a business networking initiative and a planned car rally, giving the festival a wider focus on entrepreneurship and regional tourism. Whether you are interested in Assam's tea heritage, traditional culture, music or exploring the North Bank region, the event offers a distinctive reason to visit Biswanath in November.
For travellers seeking a cultural experience in a tea garden rather than a conventional city festival, FolkTea Festival 2026 is an event worth including in their Assam travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will FolkTea Festival 2026 be held?
The sixth edition of FolkTea Festival is scheduled for November 28 and 29, 2026.
2. Where will FolkTea Festival 2026 take place?
The festival will be held at Hatipoti Tea Estate in Pabhoi, Biswanath district, Assam, PIN 784174.
3. Who organises the FolkTea Festival?
The festival is organised by the Nanda Talukdar Foundation in association with Hatipoti Tea.
4. Is entry free for FolkTea Festival 2026?
November 29 is listed as the free-entry public festival day. The November 28 Gala Evening and Founders' Club Retreat are invitation-based and have separate registration arrangements.
5. What are the main attractions of FolkTea Festival 2026?
The programme includes folk music, theatre, traditional community games, indigenous sports, a car rally towards the Arunachal Pradesh border, camping and stargazing.
6. Who will perform at FolkTea Festival 2026?
The listed programme includes Hirak Jyoti Sharma Folk Ensemble, Maitreyee Patar and Tanmoy Saikia. A theatre performance directed by Nayan Prasad is also scheduled for the first evening.
7. What is the Founders' Club Retreat?
It is a business networking gathering scheduled for November 28, bringing together entrepreneurs, startup founders and business leaders to discuss opportunities and collaborations.
8. How can I reach Hatipoti Tea Estate from Guwahati?
You can travel by train or bus to Biswanath Chariali, or drive via Tezpur along the North Bank highway route. From Biswanath Chariali, local taxis and auto-rickshaws can take you to Hatipoti Tea Estate.
9. Is accommodation available at the festival venue?
The registration information lists twin-sharing accommodation and camping options. Availability and package conditions should be confirmed through the official festival website or organisers.
10. How can I register for FolkTea Festival 2026?
Visit https://www.folktea.in/ for the programme, registration details, available packages and event-specific instructions. You can also contact the organisers at folkteaassam@gmail.com or +91 92116 72557.
