Tripura, one of the culturally richest states in Northeast India, boasts a unique blend of tribal and Bengali traditions. However, globalization, migration, and lack of documentation are putting several indigenous practices at risk. This article explores five endangered cultural practices of Tripura that are on the verge of extinction, threatening the cultural identity of the region.
1. Dangdu Khom Dance – Vanishing Ritual Dance of the Halam Community
The Dangdu Khom Dance, a traditional ritual performed by the Halam tribe during community feasts and seasonal festivals, is rarely seen today. Historically, it was performed to honor forest deities and ancestral spirits. Accompanied by bamboo flutes and the khamb, a tribal drum, the dance was integral to communal bonding.
However, modern entertainment mediums and urban migration have reduced its relevance. Today, only a handful of elders in the Teliamura and Khowai regions remember the original steps and chants, and no structured effort exists to preserve or document the dance form.
2. Wathoisa – Decline of Indigenous Storytelling in Kokborok
Wathoisa, the traditional storytelling art in the Kokborok language, was once a key oral tradition used to pass down folklore, myths, and moral values. Elders would narrate epic tales of tribal heroes and forest spirits around community fires, often accompanied by chants and rhythmic clapping.
With younger generations increasingly shifting to Hindi and English, and a sharp decline in fluent Kokborok speakers, Wathoisa storytelling has nearly disappeared from daily life. Its loss not only erases narratives unique to Tripura’s tribal identity but also undermines efforts to revive the Kokborok language.
3. Rignai Weaving – Fading Handloom Identity of Tripuri Women
Rignai, the traditional handwoven wraparound worn by Tripuri women, is more than attire—it is an artistic expression of identity and social status. Each tribe within Tripura, such as the Reang, Jamatia, and Noatia, has unique Rignai designs, often passed down from mothers to daughters.
Sadly, this weaving tradition is endangered due to the rising popularity of synthetic fabrics and factory-made sarees. Furthermore, younger women are less inclined to learn the labor-intensive weaving techniques, causing a sharp decline in local loom activity. Without immediate cultural investment, Tripura’s Rignai weaving tradition may vanish in a generation.
4. Ker Puja – Sacred Royal Ritual Losing Ground Among Youth
Ker Puja, a powerful tantric ritual exclusive to Tripura, is conducted to protect the land from natural disasters and negative energies. Initiated by the royal family of Tripura, this puja is marked by strict restrictions—no one can leave their home, make noise, or violate ritual norms during its 2-3 day observance.
Today, Ker Puja is performed by only a few Brahmin families in Agartala, and public participation is dwindling. The younger generation, particularly in urban areas, often view it as superstitious. The gradual distancing from this unique tantric traditions poses a risk to its survival.
5. Lakhmi Bhandar Folk Music – Disappearing Temple Song Tradition
The Lakhmi Bhandar songs, sung in ancient temples of Tripura during Durga Puja and Laxmi Puja, form a lesser-known but spiritually significant genre of Tripuri devotional folk music. These slow, melodic hymns are sung by temple priests and local women invoking blessings of the goddess Laxmi.
With modernization of worship practices and adoption of Bollywood-style devotional songs, this folk music tradition is slowly fading. Only a few temples in Udaipur and Amarpur still retain trained singers of the Lakhmi Bhandar repertoire, and no formal documentation of lyrics or tunes exists.
The gradual erosion of these indigenous Tripura cultural practices is not just a loss for the local tribes but for India’s diverse cultural ecosystem. Without urgent steps—such as cultural documentation, youth engagement programs, and government grants—these traditions may be permanently lost.
By recognizing the value of these endangered practices and including them in educational and cultural policies, we can help ensure that Tripura’s unique heritage survives the test of time.