Tripura, 10 April 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated the 13-day State-Level Jatra Festival at Vivekananda Sardha Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Dharmanagar on Wednesday. Organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, the festival aims to revive and celebrate the state’s rich traditional art forms. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that the cultural heritage of the state must not be allowed to fade away.
He said efforts are underway through the Information and Cultural Affairs Department to revive lost art forms and traditions. Highlighting the importance of Jatra (folk theatre), he said it not only entertains but also educates society and conveys important messages in ways that direct speech often cannot. He expressed concern over the declining popularity of traditional performances due to the rising dominance of television and mobile entertainment. However, he assured that the government is committed to preserving and promoting these art forms.
He cited the recently organized Basanta Utsav in Agartala, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, as a step in that direction. Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy also spoke at the event, noting the state government’s focus on overall development, including cultural revival and infrastructure improvement. Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Bishwabandhu Sen, highlighted efforts to develop Dharmanagar as a religious tourism hub and improve the city’s cleanliness and greenery.
Other dignitaries present included MLA Jadab Lal Nath, Chairperson of Dharmanagar Municipal Council Mitali Rani Das Sen, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, North Tripura District Magistrate & Collector Chandni Chandran, and officials from the Information and Cultural Affairs Department. The program was presided over by the Chairperson of the North Tripura Zilla Parishad, Aparna Nath. The Jatra festival will feature troupes from various districts across the state, with performances scheduled daily at 6 PM until April 23, except for April 14 and 15.
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