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Tripura

A hidden gem of Northeast India, known for its lush greenery, rich tribal culture, and magnificent palaces.

Thousands of rock-cut figures and carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva

Tripurais a land of enchanting landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions. From the sacred Tripura Sundari Temple to the serene Neermahal Palace floating on Rudrasagar Lake, the state blends spirituality, history, and natural beauty. The birthplace of Garia and Hojagiri dances, Tripura is a cultural treasure trove. Whether you seek adventure in the Jampui Hills or tranquility in the Dumboor Lake, Tripura has something for everyone.

Must-Visit Attractions in Tripura

The magnificent Ujjayanta Palace in Tripura, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture with white domes and lush gardens, reflects the state's royal heritage.

Ujjayanta Palace

A grand Indo-Saracenic royal palace turned museum, showcasing Tripura’s regal history and cultural heritage.

Floating on Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura's Neermahal Palace is India's only eastern water palace.

Neermahal Palace

Eastern India’s only floating palace on Rudrasagar Lake, blending Mughal and Hindu architectural brilliance.

Ancient Tripura Sundari Temple, one of 51 Shakti Peethas, draws pilgrims to Tripura.

Tripura Sundari Temple

A sacred Shakti Peetha in Matabari, revered for its striking black stone idol of Goddess Kali.

Tripura's mysterious Unakoti rock carvings feature magnificent bas-reliefs of Shiva and deities.

Unakoti

An ancient cliff-carved Shaivite pilgrimage site with massive rock sculptures, called the “Lost Hill of Faces.

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Heritage of Tripura

Tripura's capital Agartala blends tribal culture, royal history, and bustling markets.
Agartala

Tripura’s rich heritage beautifully blends tribal traditions, royal grandeur, and ancient archaeological marvels. The state is home to UNESCO-notified rock carvings at Unakoti, often called the “Angkor Wat of the Northeast.” Magnificent Rajbaris (royal palaces) like Ujjayanta and Kunjaban reflect its regal past, while sacred temples such as Tripura Sundari and Bhubaneswari showcase deep spiritual roots. Adding to its cultural wealth are vibrant tribal villages, where age-old crafts, music, and dance forms thrive, preserving the essence of indigenous traditions.

The Performing Arts of Tripura

Tripura’s vibrant culture comes alive through its folk dances, music, and festivals, deeply tied to its tribal heritage. The rhythmic Garia dance celebrates the bamboo deity, while the mesmerizing Hojagiri dance showcases women balancing on earthen pots with grace. Traditional music like Lebang Boomani and Garia songs echo during harvest festivals, accompanied by bamboo instruments. Each performance reflects the state’s indigenous roots, blending spirituality, storytelling, and community celebration. From the energetic Cheraw (Bamboo Dance) to the symbolic Ker Puja rituals, Tripura’s arts are a living testament to its rich cultural legacy.

Music Form

Tripura’s music is a vibrant blend of tribal rhythms, folk melodies, and devotional hymns. The Garia songs, accompanied by bamboo instruments, celebrate harvest festivals, while Lebang Boomani combines storytelling with rhythmic beats. Hozagiri music, with its enchanting tunes, complements the famous balancing dance. Traditional instruments like the Kham (drum) and Sumui (flute) add a unique charm to Tripura’s musical heritage.

Traditional Garia music being performed during Tripura's harvest festival, featuring tribal musicians playing indigenous instruments.

Garia Music

Classical music with intricate ragas and talas, performed in temples and concerts.

Tribal performers singing the Lebang Boomani folk song during Tripura's harvest festival, wearing traditional costumes and playing indigenous instruments.

Lebang Boomani

Chennai’s urban folk music, known for its fast beats and socially relevant lyrics.

Traditional Hozagiri songs accompany Tripura's famous balancing dance performances.

Hozagiri Songs

Traditional temple and wedding music with wind and percussion instruments.

Dance Form

Tripura’s dances are a mesmerizing display of grace, agility, and tribal traditions. The Hojagiri dance, performed by Reang women balancing on earthen pots, is a visual spectacle. The Garia dance, dedicated to the bamboo deity, features energetic movements and rhythmic footwork. Lebang dance, inspired by insect hunting, showcases colorful costumes and synchronized steps. Each dance form preserves the state’s rich cultural legacy.

During Garia Puja, Tripura's tribal communities perform this lively bamboo-themed dance.

Garia Dance

One of the oldest classical dances, performed with Mridangam, Violin, Nadaswaram, Veena, and Flute.

Tripura's breathtaking Hojagiri dance features women balancing on earthen pitchers.

Hojagiri Dance

ancient folk dance performed using two wooden sticks to create rhythmic beats while singing folk songs 

Colorful Lebang dance in Tripura celebrates harvest season with rhythmic movements.

Lebang Dance

A folk dance balancing pots on the head, accompanied by Parai, Nadaswaram, and Thavil.

Others dance forms – Cheraw (Bamboo Dance)

Festivals and Celebrations​

Tripura’s festivals reflect its vibrant tribal and Hindu heritage, blending spirituality, tradition, and community joy. The Garia Puja, dedicated to the bamboo deity, marks the tribal New Year with dance and music. Kharchi Puja, a 7-day Hindu festival, purifies the earth with rituals at Chaturdash Devta Temple. Ker Puja, a tribal ritual, invokes divine protection for villages. Colorful celebrations like Durga Puja and Hojagiri Dance festivals showcase the state’s cultural harmony. Each festival is a mesmerizing spectacle of devotion, dance, and tribal artistry.

Tripura's most important tribal festival honors the bamboo deity Garia.

Garia Puja

This seven-day festival purifies Tripura through ancient royal traditions.

Kharchi Puja

Tripura's unique Ker Puja involves community-wide rituals for prosperity.

Ker Puja

Tripura’s Cuisine

Tripura's traditional cuisine features fermented fish and bamboo shoot dishes.

Mui Borok

This pork and bamboo shoot curry represents authentic Tripura tribal flavors.

Chakhwi

Spicy pork chutney is a staple in Tripura's indigenous cuisine.

Wahan Mosdeng

Tripura’s food is a mix of Bengali and tribal flavors, with a focus on bamboo shoots, fish, and rice.

  • Mui Borok – Traditional Tripuri cuisine featuring fermented fish (Berma) and bamboo shoot dishes.

  • Chakhwi – A tribal delicacy made with pork, bamboo shoots, and herbs.

  • Wahan Mosdeng – A spicy pork chutney with green chilies.

  • Panch Phoron Tarkari – A Bengali-inspired mixed vegetable curry.

  • Bhangui – Sticky rice cooked in banana leaves.

Popular Shopping Items

Tripura’s must-buy souvenirs include bamboo handicrafts, tribal textiles like Risa-Rignai, silver jewelry, wooden masks, and aromatic spices.

  • Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts – Baskets, furniture, and decorative items.

  • Tripuri Jewelry – Silver ornaments with tribal motifs.

  • Handwoven Textiles – Risa (traditional attire) and Rignai (tribal sarongs).

  • Tribal Masks & Wooden Carvings – Used in traditional dances.

Best shopping places: Purbasha (Agartala), Bamboo Market in Khumulwng and, A.D. Nagar Market (Agartala).

Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts

Tripuri Jewelry

Handwoven Textiles

Tribal Masks & Wooden Carvings

Evolution of Tripura

⇒ Ancient Era: Ruled by the Manikya dynasty for centuries.

⇒ Medieval Period: A strong Hindu kingdom with ties to Bengal.

⇒ British Era: Became a princely state under British suzerainty.

⇒ Post-Independence: Merged with India in 1949, became a full-fledged state in 1972.

⇒ Cultural Legacy: Known for its tribal heritage, royal palaces, and Buddhist influence from neighboring Bangladesh.

 

Folk Dance of Tripura

Various tribal dances like Hojagiri showcase Tripura's living cultural heritage.

Tripura Blogs

  • Tripura Cultural Guide
  • Places to Visit in Agartala
  • Places to Visit in Tripura
  • Northeast India’s Hidden Gem
  • Tripura’s Archaeological Wonders

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