Tripura, Feb 22: The State-Level Jatra Festival was inaugurated today at Kamalpur Town Hall under the initiative of the Directorate of Information and Cultural Affairs.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Sabhadhipati of Dhalai Zilla Parishad, Sushmita Das. Among other distinguished guests present were Director of Information and Cultural Affairs, Bimbisar Bhattacharjee; Additional District Magistrate of Dhalai, B. Darlong; BDO of Durga Chowmuhani Block, Samit Kumar Das; advocate Shyamal Kanti Pal; and Assistant Director of the department, Pramod Acharya, among others. The programme was presided over by Chairman of Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat, Prashanta Sinha.
In her inaugural address, Sushmita Das said that Jatra once served as a major source of entertainment for the people. She highlighted that the state government, through the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, has been taking various initiatives to preserve traditional culture and heritage. She also called upon all sections of society to come forward to protect and promote Jatra art.
Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee stated that the department has been implementing a year-long cultural calendar, organizing various festivals and fairs across the state. He added that the Jatra Festival has been arranged to encourage Jatra artists and associated performers, with the aim of inspiring the younger generation.
He further informed that while 12 Jatra troupes participated in the festival held at Dharmanagar last year, this year’s 18-day-long State-Level Jatra Festival features participation from 18 troupes.
In his presidential address, Chairman Prashanta Sinha thanked the department for taking such initiatives to preserve Jatra art. Advocate Shyamal Kanti Pal also addressed the gathering.
It is noteworthy that the festival, being held at Kamalpur Town Hall, will continue till March 11, with one Jatra performance scheduled every evening. The welcome address was delivered by Assistant Director Pramod Acharya.
