Tripura CM inaugurates Weekly Cultural Haat, stresses importance of protecting traditions
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha strongly pitched for preserving and nurturing State's traditional culture.
He said the state's rich culture is our ornament. We cannot live without culture. Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect and practice culture.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the weekly 'Cultural Haat' at Sen Para in Debram Panchayat of Noabadi at Khayerpur near Agartala on Sunday.
Addressing a vibrant gathering, he said, "The baton of culture that our ancestors handed over to us must not be lost. We must protect it, add something new to it, and pass it on to our future generations. It is essential to present healthy culture to the youth so that they do not go astray. This cultural market is organized by the Bengali Cultural Circle."
The Chief Minister pointed out, "Culture does not just mean singing and playing music. Good manners, behavior, and speech are also culture. Our state has its own cultural identity of 19 tribal communities. Cultural programs are also performed at various events of the tribals. Their unique culture enriches us."
Dr Saha said, "Our state's culture is extremely rich. Many talented artists from the world of culture have come to this state even in the princely era.
The Chief Minister suggested that the lost games of the old days, such as Gollachut, Danribandha, and Ludo, should also be included in this weekly 'Cultural Haat'.
Speaking at the inaugural event, MLA Ratan Chakraborty said, "Healthy culture can give birth to healthy people. It is necessary to take necessary initiatives to protect the legacy of the state's rich culture. Culture teaches love, not division. Therefore, he expressed hope that this cultural market will play an important role in maintaining love and harmony among people."
Secretary of the Information and Cultural Department Dr. PK Chakraborty said, "Culture takes us forward. Language, culture, literature, and music are all part of our culture. In the age of globalization, different languages are disappearing every day. Therefore, these language cultures must be protected."
Vice-Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, president of the Bengali Sanskriti Baloy Sebak Bhattacharjee, and General Secretary Kazi Mahatab Suman, among others, spoke at the event.
The organizers said that the weekly 'Cultural Haat' will start at 1 pm every Sunday and will run till evening. This cultural market will host local culture, customs, food habits, and a rural fair.
Members of various Self Help Groups (SHGs) will showcase their traditional products and products of rural cottage industries at this market. Many people from the Panchayat area and Agartala apart from the dignitaries of Bangladesh and state's art and culture world, were present at the inaugural ceremony.