State Government Committed to Preserving the Culture and Traditions of All Communities: CM Manik Saha
Agartala, 30 March 2025: The state government is actively working to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of all ethnic and indigenous communities in the state, said Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha. Speaking at the inauguration of the state-level Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival), he emphasized that the revival of lost traditions is a key priority for the government. The festival was organized by the State-Level Basanta Utsav Celebration Committee with support from the West Tripura Zilla Parishad, West Tripura District Administration, Agartala Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department, Rural Development Department, Tourism Department, and the Information & Cultural Affairs Department. The event took place at the Basic Training College grounds in Kumaritilla.
In his speech, Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted that various communities residing in the state have their unique traditions and cultural identities. The government is dedicated to promoting and preserving these traditions. He mentioned that during the era of the princely state, Basanta Utsav was grandly celebrated in the royal palace, which is an integral part of Tripura’s glorious history. The Chief Minister also pointed out that the government is making continuous efforts to revive traditional art forms like drama, Jatra (folk theater), puppet shows, and other lost cultural expressions. He noted that a film institute has been established in the state, providing opportunities for local youth to build careers in theater, television, and cinema.
Additionally, the government is giving special attention to the development of sports. He reiterated that the present administration believes in governance with transparency and has successfully established the rule of law in the state. Now, any criminal activity is swiftly dealt with. The Chief Minister also stated that welfare schemes are being implemented with a focus on economically weaker sections. The central government is committed to national security and is implementing various development initiatives for the northeastern states through the Act East Policy.
Speaking on future plans, the chief minister said that the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 has been designed for holistic development. The budget includes provisions for a ₹5,000 monthly allowance for individuals with mental disabilities.
Furthermore, coaching centers will be set up in every subdivision to support students, and various schemes for women’s empowerment are also in progress. He emphasized the need to further promote and expand the celebration of Basanta Utsav in the coming years. MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted how Basanta Utsav brings together people from different ethnic and indigenous communities, fostering unity in diversity.
He stated that the rule of law in the state has enabled the grand celebration of such cultural festivals. Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder, along with other dignitaries, also spoke at the event. West Tripura Zilla Parishad’s acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil delivered the welcome address. Other notable attendees included North Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Aparna Nath, Dhalai Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Sushmita Das, Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, President of All Tripura Gymnastics Association Papia Dutta, West Tripura District Magistrate & Collector Dr. Vishal Kumar, Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar K, and Director of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department Bimbisar Bhattacharjee. The festival commenced with a cultural performance by 250 artists.
The event also featured traditional “Matka Phor” (pot-breaking) and performances on four stages showcasing different styles of Basanta Utsav celebrations. These included traditional spring songs and dances, performances inspired by the royal Basanta Utsav celebrations of Tripura’s princely era, Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan-style Basanta Utsav, and the Manipuri community’s spring festival dances.
