By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Sunday, January 25, 2026
AGARTALA: In a vibrant prelude to the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the State-Level Tribal Folk Dance Competition was officially inaugurated today at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala. The event, organized by the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Tripura, serves as a platform to showcase the rich tapestry of indigenous traditions and the artistic prowess of the state’s tribal communities.
Inauguration by Tribal Welfare Secretary
The ceremony was inaugurated at 12:00 noon by Dr. K. Sasikumar, IFS, Secretary of the Tribal Welfare Department. Dr. Sasikumar, who recently took over the additional charge of the department, performed the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in Hall No. 1, amidst the presence of cultural activists, community leaders, and students.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Sasikumar emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the unique cultural identities of Tripura’s 19 tribal groups.
“Folk dance is not just entertainment; it is the heartbeat of our heritage. These competitions ensure that our traditional forms like Hojagiri, Garia, and Lebang Boomani are passed down to the younger generation with pride and authenticity,” the Secretary remarked.
A Competitive Showcase of Diversity
The state-level event follows a series of rigorous district-level competitions held across South Tripura, Sepahijala, and North Tripura over the past week. The winners from the district levels have converged in the capital to compete for the prestigious state-level titles.
Key Features of the Competition:
- Participating Tribes: Groups representing the Tripuri, Reang, Chakma, Mog, and Halam communities showcased their respective dance forms.
- Themes: Most performances centered around the themes of Jhum cultivation, harvest festivals, and communal harmony.
- Judging Criteria: A panel of cultural experts is evaluating the teams based on rhythm, costume authenticity, use of traditional instruments (like the Sumui and Kham), and overall synchronization.
Republic Day Integration
The competition is a core component of the state’s four-day Republic Day festival. The results of today’s performances will be officially announced later this evening, and the winning troupes will be felicitated by high-ranking dignitaries during the main Republic Day program on January 26th.
The Tribal Welfare Department has also ensured that the best-performing groups get the opportunity to represent Tripura in national-level cultural exchange programs and festivals across India, furthering the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
The atmosphere at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan remained electric throughout the afternoon as hundreds of performers in traditional attire transformed the venue into a kaleidoscope of colors and rhythmic beats, drawing huge applause from the city’s residents.
