CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY TRADITION & LIFESTYLE

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY | TRADITION & LIFESTYLE

3 years ago

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Culture of Tripura : Image via Internet

The State of Tripura is nestled in the North-Eastern region of the country of India. It is an unspoiled natural gem that the country of India beholds. The exotic wildlife and natural beauty cannot be celebrated in any metaphorical words of English. The real beauty of the State of Tripura can be perceived only when you head forward and experience it by yourself. The undeniably serene climate, with warm welcoming Tripurans, is a mesmerizing travel destination. The unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the State of Tripura is unknown to many.

So let’s head forward to understand the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the State of Tripura in detail, without wasting any minute.

CULTURE OF TRIPURA

Unwinding the culture of the State of Tripura should undoubtedly begin from the natives of this state itself. The Tripura are really friendly to interact with. The warm and helping nature of Tripurans are well known to the frequent travellers who have visited this beautiful travel destination. Tripura leaves no stones unturned for assisting any tourists or visitors or travellers in need of help. The Manikya Dynasty ruled the Tripura province for nearly 2000 years until the Tripura kingdom joined the Indian Union on 15th October 1949.

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya : King of Manikya Dynasty : Image via Internet

The major portion of the Tripura population consists of the Bengali community (70%) and the remaining Tribal community (30%). Kokborok is the language spoken by the largest tribal community. Kokborok consists of standard dialects of Koloi, Tripura, Noatia, Rupini, Debbarma, Uchoi, Jamatia, and Murase. People follow varied religious methods like Christianity, Hinduism, Animism, and so on. Yet the major portion of the State of Tripura follows the religion of Hindu.

Their distinctive culture is reflected in their festivals, dance, management of community affairs, music, dress, and food habits that have another level of a strong base.

Due to the main population of Bengalis, their culture is followed by the non – tribal parts of the State of Tripura. Kings who ruled the province of Tripura were extreme patrons of Bengali culture. They adored Bengali literature a lot as well. The Bengali language is said to be the language of the court as well. Rabindranath Tagore is also considered to have a notable bond with the Kings back then. And thus Bengali cuisine, literature, and music became predominant especially in the urban areas of the State.

HANDICRAFTS OF TRIPURA

Handicrafts in the State of Tripura like cane handicrafts, bamboo crafts are famous. These things are used to create hand fans, furniture, mats, utensils, replicas, idols, baskets, and numerous other interior decoration materials. The small items are popular while buying souvenirs.

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Dance and Music in the State of Tripura : Image via Internet

DANCE AND MUSIC OF TRIPURA

Dance and music is an integral part of the Tripura. The most used musical instruments are as follows: Samui, Sarina, and Chong Peng. Folk songs are sung on every religious occasion, wedding ceremonies and festivals.

The State of Tripura is famous for its architectural monuments, stone carvings, and rock sculptures. The best can be explored at Unakoti, Devtamura, and Pilak. They signal the evidence of Brahmanical orders and Buddhism.

Popular sports in the State of Tripura are cricket and football. One can enthusiastically witness the football championship held annually in the capital city of the State of Tripura, that is, Agartala. The State of Tripura has some prominent sportsmen and sportswomen who are successfully playing for swimming and gymnastics on a National level. The famous gymnast Dipa Karmakar is one of them. Some of the traditional games played in the State of Tripura are dwkhwi, sotonmung, thawnghmung and achugwi phan sohlaimung.

TRADITION OF TRIPURA

The people who follow the religion of Hinduism believe in the Goddess Tripureshwari. Other several gods like bursha sa, khulu ma, lampra and mailu ma are worshipped too. Major traditional festivals of the tribes of the State of Tripura are the Bizu festival, Garia Puja, Kharchi Puja, Ker Puja, Ashokastami, Tirtha Mukh festival, Lampra Puja, Ganga Puja, and so on. The popularly celebrated festivals or events of the State of Tripura are as follows :

1. GARIA PUJA

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Garia Puja : Image via Internet

Garia Puja is held during the month of Baisakh for usually 7 days. During this festival, the bamboo pole is worshipped as a symbol to the God Garia.

2. PILAK FESTIVAL

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Pilak : Image via Internet

The Pilak Festival is an Archaeological and Tourism Festival annually celebrated in the months of February or March for approximately 3 days. There are several sculptures of Buddhism and Hinduism. People who are crazy about such archaeological sculptures must definitely visit Tripura during this festival.

3. NEERMAHAL WATER FESTIVAL

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Boat racing during Neermahal Water Festival : Image via Internet

Neermahal Water Festival is celebrated for 3 days. Neermahal Water Festival is celebrated in the month of August. During this festival, the boat race is also held in the Rudrasagar lake. There are numerous other cultural programs held during this festival as well.

4. TIRTHAMUKH MELA

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Tirthamukh Mela : Image via Internet

Tirthamukh Mela or Poush Sankranti Fair is usually held in the month of January. You will find a huge crowd in the River Gomati to take a holy dip in the river during this fair. This fair is organised for two days.

LIFESTYLE OF TRIPURA

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Chuak : Image via Internet

The major food items cooked in the usual domestic non-tribal kitchens are pork, fish, chicken, rice, and mutton. The non-tribal community of the State of Tripura cook varied spicy curries of fishes. One of the popular methods of preparing the fish is out of boiled Hilda punched with a few mustard seeds and green chilies. The food items are also prepared through bamboo shots such as Muya Bai Wahan and Muya Awandru. Other famous dishes of the State of Tripura include Wahan, Kosoi bwtwi, and Gudok. The traditional dish known as ‘Chuck’, consisting of rice and beer is prepared during significant festivals and occasions.

Also Read : Famous Dishes of Tripura

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Khakloo tribe : Image via Internet

The traditional weavers of designer clothes are from the Khakloo tribes. Traditional attire of Tripurans is rarely worn today. The traditional male attire includes Rikutu for the loin part of the body and Kamchwlwi Bodol for the upper part. While women cover themselves with a large cloth reaching the knees and covering the waist called Khakloo. Shorter clothes with magnificent embroidery are called the Risa Isca. Females use a plethora of beads and also wear different coin strands.

Yet people of the State of Tripura have already drifted away from the traditional costumes, people residing in the rural areas of the State do wear such attire.

CONCLUSION

The difference of culture of the State of Tripura can be understood through this article. The beautiful and naturally rich state should definitely be visited once in your lifetime. To experience the best of the State of Tripura make sure you plan your dates during the traditional festivals of the State of Tripura. Also don’t forget to try their unique cuisines as well.

CULTURE OF TRIPURA: HISTORY, TRADITION & LIFESTYLE
Judicial district map of Tripura : Image via Internet

Chanchal Vinod

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