Tripura’s Culinary Heritage Reaches Rashtrapati Bhavan
Tripura’s traditional cuisine earned national attention when the GI-tagged sweet Matabari Peda featured at the Republic Day high tea hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The high-profile event brought together constitutional dignitaries, diplomats, and senior officials. Through this inclusion, Tripura’s culinary identity reached one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.
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Northeast Delicacies Highlighted at National Event
Alongside Matabari Peda, the menu also included Pati-Sapta Pitha, a traditional delicacy popular in Tripura and Assam. Together, these dishes highlighted the diverse food traditions of the Northeast.
Notably, the curated menu reflected a growing effort to showcase regional cuisines during national celebrations. As a result, indigenous food cultures received wider visibility beyond their home states.
Matabari Peda’s Cultural and Historical Roots
Matabari Peda traces its origin to the revered Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari. The milk-based sweet stands out for its caramelised flavour and soft texture.
Recently, the sweet received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which formally recognises its unique origin and traditional preparation. This recognition strengthened its identity as an authentic product of Tripura.
Moreover, Matabari Peda plays an important role in sustaining local livelihoods. Many women artisans actively participate in its preparation, making the sweet a source of income for rural communities.
Chief Minister Expresses Pride
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha welcomed the recognition and shared his happiness on social media. He described the moment as heartening for the state.
According to him, the presence of Matabari Peda and Pati-Sapta Pitha at the Republic Day high tea celebrated Tripura’s rich cultural heritage on a national stage. Additionally, he noted that such recognition strengthens the state’s cultural identity.
Boost for GI-Tagged Products and Local Artisans
The inclusion of a GI-tagged product at the President’s Republic Day menu marked a significant milestone for Tripura. It brought nationwide attention to the state’s traditional sweets and craftsmanship.
Officials believe this exposure will encourage demand for GI-tagged products from Tripura. Furthermore, it may open new market opportunities for local producers and artisans.
Cultural observers also see the move as an endorsement of India’s diverse culinary heritage. Consequently, traditional foods from smaller states may gain greater recognition at future national events.
Encouraging Preservation of Traditional Foods
Experts say such gestures help preserve traditional recipes and indigenous knowledge. At the same time, they inspire younger generations to value local food traditions.
Meanwhile, the recognition aligns with ongoing efforts to promote GI-tagged products and support community-based livelihoods. By linking culture with economic opportunity, these initiatives aim to create sustainable growth.
Overall, the appearance of Matabari Peda at Rashtrapati Bhavan represents more than a ceremonial choice. It signals national appreciation for Tripura’s heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural pride.