Tripura, 9 Oct 2025: The state government of Tripura is implementing various developmental programmes to uplift the socio-economic status of tribal communities, while also working tirelessly to promote their language, education, and culture.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Wednesday inaugurated the 33rd State-Level Hojagiri Festival at the ground of Bokafa Ashram English Medium Higher Secondary School in Shantirbazar sub-division.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the Hojagiri dance, a unique cultural heritage of the Bru community, has earned fame both nationally and internationally, making every Tripurite proud. He added that the state government has initiated several training programmes and projects to enhance the skills of Hojagiri performers and modernize this traditional art form.
He further informed that a budgetary allocation of ₹3 crore has been made for the promotion and preservation of tribal folk music, dance, and other cultural practices.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives for tribal welfare, the Chief Minister said that 12 blocks have been declared as Aspirational Blocks, where various development projects are being implemented with increased financial allocations. He also noted that schools, hostels, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools are being established in tribal-dominated areas to improve education standards.
For higher education, tribal students are receiving one-time financial assistance, scholarships at the secondary level, free coaching, and smart classroom facilities. To promote sports among tribal youth, synthetic playgrounds are also being developed across the state.
In recognition of tribal language and culture, the government has introduced a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 for tribal community leaders. The Chief Minister proudly mentioned that seven eminent tribal personalities from Tripura have received the Padma Shri Award for their contribution to art, literature, and culture.
Other key initiatives include declaring Sangrama Festival Day as a government holiday, extending Garia Puja holidays to two days, arranging for the rehabilitation of Bru refugees, and honoring Maharaja Bir Bikram by renaming the state airport as Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport and installing his statues at the airport and Kaman Chowmuhani.
Dr. Saha also appealed to the people, including members of all tribal communities, to come forward and contribute towards building a drug-free Tripura.
Speaking at the event, Cooperation Minister Shukla Charan Noatia urged tribal youths to preserve and promote their traditional songs, dances, and cultural heritage. MLA Nandita Debbarma Reang and TTAADC Executive Member Dolly Reang also addressed the gathering.
The welcome address was delivered by Lal Bahadur Reang, State Secretary of the Bru Social and Cultural Organization. Among the dignitaries present were South Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Deepak Dutta, MLA Pramod Reang, MDCs Bhumikanda Reang and Sanjeev Reang, and South Tripura District Magistrate Mohammad Sajjad P.
The event was presided over by Shanti Roy Reang, President of the Central Committee of the Bru Social and Cultural Organization.
The two-day Hojagiri Festival will not only highlight Bru tribal culture but also showcase the traditions of other tribal communities of Tripura. A total of 33 exhibition stalls displaying information on various government development schemes have been set up as part of the festival.
On the occasion, the Bru Social and Cultural Organization handed over a cheque of ₹15,001 to the Chief Minister as a contribution to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
