The state government has announced the launch of Jatra Utsav, a dedicated festival aimed at reviving and promoting traditional folk theatre. Chief Minister Manik Saha, in a recent statement, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting and nurturing the indigenous art forms that have long defined the state’s cultural identity.
Jatra, a traditional form of theatre deeply rooted in the socio-cultural life of Tripura, has historically served as more than just entertainment. These performances, often conducted in open-air settings, blend drama, music, and moral storytelling, making them accessible to people from all walks of life. Over time, however, modernization and the influx of digital entertainment have led to a decline in such traditional art forms. Recognizing the urgent need to revive this dying heritage, the state is making a timely intervention.
Government’s Cultural Revival Plan
According to CM Manik Saha, the upcoming Jatra Utsav is just one component of a larger cultural preservation initiative. “The government is taking active steps to preserve and promote our traditional culture. Jatra is not just theatre—it’s a mirror of our social consciousness and history. Through this festival, we aim to bring it back into the mainstream and introduce it to the younger generations,” he said during a press briefing.
The event will feature performances from local troupes across Tripura and neighboring regions, with a focus on showcasing the diversity and depth of folk storytelling. In addition to traditional Jatra performances, the festival will host workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions with cultural historians and artists to ensure both entertainment and education go hand in hand.
Empowering Local Artisans and Performers
The Jatra Utsav is also seen as a crucial step toward empowering local artisans and performers, many of whom have struggled to sustain their livelihoods. By creating a formal platform for these artists, the government aims to provide both recognition and economic support.
“We are not just reviving culture—we are reviving livelihoods,” said a senior official from the state’s Department of Information and Cultural Affairs. “There are entire families whose lives have revolved around folk performance art. This festival is a step toward giving them a sustainable future.”
The government also plans to collaborate with schools and colleges to encourage student participation, ensuring that the next generation gains an appreciation for their cultural roots. Scholarships, fellowships, and training programs are reportedly in the pipeline for aspiring artists interested in folk theatre.
A Cultural Tourism Boost
Tripura’s cultural revival efforts are also expected to give a boost to the state’s tourism industry. With the Jatra Utsav poised to draw audiences from across the northeastern region and beyond, local businesses—especially those involved in hospitality and handicrafts—stand to benefit from increased footfall.
Tourism officials have hinted at plans to integrate the festival into the state’s broader cultural tourism circuit. “Festivals like these not only preserve traditions but also attract culturally curious travelers. We want to position Tripura as a destination where tradition lives on in its most authentic form,” said an official from the state tourism department.
Looking Ahead
Tripura’s move to organize Jatra Utsav is being lauded as a thoughtful blend of cultural preservation and community empowerment. At a time when many traditional art forms face the threat of extinction, the initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need to preserve intangible heritage.
CM Manik Saha’s administration has set the stage—literally and metaphorically—for a cultural revival. If successful, the Jatra Utsav could serve as a model for other states looking to safeguard their folk traditions while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for their cultural communities.
As the sounds of drums, dialogue, and devotion prepare to echo once again through Tripura’s towns and villages, the state takes a confident step toward embracing its past to enrich its future.
