Tripura govt reviving lost cultural heritage: Governor

Agartala, Jan 13, 2026, By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 13: Telangana Governor and former Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura, Jishnu Dev Varman, on Tuesday said that the present Tripura government is making sincere and focused efforts to revive the state’s long-neglected cultural heritage and traditional practices of both indigenous and non-tribal communities.

The Governor was addressing the Kwthar Hangrai Ter programme held at the Agartala Press Club, organised by the Maharani Tulsibati Welfare Trust. The programme was attended by Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Member District Council Sanjib Reang, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar, BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma, and several other dignitaries.

Highlighting the initiatives taken in recent years, Dev Varman said Tripura is currently witnessing a significant cultural resurgence. He noted that the traditional tribal attire Risha has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, giving it national and international visibility and pride. He also pointed out that the Chief Minister and cabinet ministers are now regularly participating in cultural and traditional festivals across the state, reflecting the government’s respect for local traditions.

The Governor further mentioned that the birthday of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya has been declared a state holiday, while the holiday for the traditional Goria festival has been extended. According to him, these decisions clearly demonstrate the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Tripura’s rich cultural legacy.

Without directly naming the previous Left Front government, Dev Varman remarked that although a Risha was once preserved in a museum in Britain, it was neither widely used nor adequately showcased in Tripura. “Today, people proudly wear the Risha, which shows that the revival of our cultural identity is truly underway,” he said.

Emphasising the broader significance of cultural heritage, the Governor said self-reliance begins with self-respect, which is rooted in awareness of one’s culture and traditions. He added that tribal cultural practices, such as group dances, symbolise unity and collective strength.

“The true strength of any society lies in its culture and heritage, and Tripura is now reclaiming that strength,” he asserted.