The traditional Sangrai Festival, the New Year carnival of Mog community in Tripura, will begin on the evening of April 16, showcasing the cultural richness and deep-rooted spiritual essence of the community.
Agartala April 10: The vibrant spirit of Tripura’s Mog community will once again come alive with the celebration of the 8th State-Level Sangrai Festival, scheduled to be held on April 16 and 17 at the sacred grounds of Debdaru Mahamuni Buddha Vihar in Shantirbazar Sub-Division, South Tripura District.
The two-day festival, known for its cultural richness and deep-rooted spiritual essence, is being organized with support from various state departments and local bodies. The formal opening ceremony of the Sangrai Festival will take place at 5 PM and will be led by the eminent Buddhist spiritual leader Dr. Dhammapia, who is widely respected for his contribution to Buddhist teachings and peace-building efforts in the region.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Minister of Cooperation, Shuklacharan Noatia, will attend the event as the chief guest. His presence, along with that of several prominent dignitaries, reflects the growing importance of the Sangrai Festival as not just a cultural celebration but also a platform for communal harmony and government engagement.
Among the distinguished guests expected at the event are Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pramod Reang, MLA Mailafru Mog, Member of District Council (MDC) Kongjang Mog, MDC Sanjeev Reang, Jolai Bari Block Advisory Committee (BAC) Chairman Ashok Mog, and Jolaibari Panchayat Samiti Chairman Tapas Dutta. Also joining them will be revered Buddhist monk Warend Mahathero. The festival’s inaugural ceremony will be presided over by Rajkumar Mog, who serves as the President of the Baikhora Mog Socio-Cultural Organization, a key institution working to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Mog community.
In preparation for the upcoming New Year carnival of Mog community, a high-level coordination meeting was convened on April 10 at the Shantirbazar Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s Office. The meeting was attended by MLA Mailafru Mog, MDC Kongjang Mog, SDM Manoj Kumar Saha, along with representatives from various state departments. Discussions centered around logistics, security, and cultural programming to ensure that the event is conducted smoothly and safely.
Photo courtesy: Tripura Tourism
To enhance the cultural depth of the event, several exhibition stalls will be set up by various state government departments. These stalls aim to showcase developmental initiatives, traditional crafts, and public welfare schemes. Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs is set to organize a two-day cultural extravaganza featuring traditional music, dance, and art that reflects the rich heritage of the region.
| Previous Report: Mog community in Tripura holds traditional Sangrai to mark New Year |
The Sangrai Festival holds immense significance for the Mog community in Tripura. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra according to the Bengali calendar, coinciding with the end of the year and the arrival of the New Year. As part of the celebrations, rituals, music, and communal celebrations create a lively and spiritual atmosphere throughout the community.
One of the most iconic elements of the festival is the Kalpataru or “Wish-Yielding Tree,”
One of the most iconic elements of the festival is the Kalpataru or “Wish-Yielding Tree,” which young members of the community carry on their heads while moving from house to house, singing devotional songs and performing folk dances. This procession, filled with joy and reverence, symbolizes the hopes and dreams of the people for prosperity and peace in the coming year.
Traditional rituals also play a central role in the celebration. Young participants offer pitchers of water to elders for ceremonial bathing, and homes are adorned with sandalwood paste and sprinkled with water from green coconuts, signifying purity and renewal. A major spiritual event during Sangrai is the ritual bathing of the roots of the Bodhi tree, also known as the Bodhi Vriksha, using scented water—a practice that pays homage to Buddhist beliefs.
Throughout the festival, the air resonates with the sounds of traditional instruments like the Khouyang
Throughout the festival, the air resonates with the sounds of traditional instruments like the Khouyang, enhancing the festive mood. The Sangrai dance, performed with rhythmic grace and community participation, marks the start of a new year with blessings and celebration.
What makes the Sangrai Festival especially unique is the way it brings the entire Mog community together. It is a time when no other auspicious ceremonies, such as weddings, are conducted, allowing full communal participation in the rituals and festivities.
With cultural pride, spiritual fervor, and enthusiastic preparations underway, the 8th State-Level Sangrai Festival promises to be a grand New Year carnival of mog community that celebrates both heritage and harmony. As South Tripura prepares to welcome participants, guests, and well-wishers from across the state, the festival stands as a powerful reminder of Tripura’s cultural diversity and unity in tradition.
