Molsom people celebrate ‘Anthar Buthar’ fest with grandeur in Tripura
Agartala/Ampi, Oct 22 — The Molsom people of Tripura celebrated theirs most cherished cultural and heritage festival, Anthar Buthar, with great enthusiasm and traditional splendour at Makhucherra village under Atharabola VC in Killa block, Udaipur under the Gomati district.
The two-day celebration, held under the theme “Tradition Illuminates the Path of Modernity,” drew large participation from indigenous communities across the state. The festival was inaugurated on October 21, 2025, by Darlong community leader and UNAU General Secretary Tinkhuma Darlong, in the presence of several dignitaries and guests.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Rampada Jamatia lauded the Molsom community’s dedication to cultural revival and social development. “I commend the Molsom society for their efforts to move forward in step with other indigenous communities of the state. With unity and cooperation, a bright future lies ahead for the Molsom people,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Rampada Jamatia lauded the Molsom community’s dedication to cultural revival and social development. “I commend the Molsom society for their efforts to move forward in step with other indigenous communities of the state. With unity and cooperation, a bright future lies ahead for the Molsom people,” he said.
Prominent figures who attended the festival included Laldam Kaipeng (Kaipeng representative), Kamal Bongcher (Bongcher Rai), Nijer Bandhu Molsom (Senior Adviser, MYA), Sukhamoy Molsom (Gamaku Cluster President, MYA), Anup Kalai (community leader), and several others, whose presence added prestige to the grand celebration.
Organised by the Molsom Youth Association (MYA) and the Molsom Dofa Rai Committee, in collaboration with the Information & Cultural Affairs Department (ICA) and the Tribal Welfare Department, the event showcased the rich cultural traditions and community spirit of the Molsom people.
Visitors from across Tripura thronged the venue, which featured an array of stalls, exhibitions, and food outlets highlighting traditional crafts, cuisine, and indigenous art forms. Colourful cultural performances, including Molsom folk songs and dances, captivated the audience and added vibrancy to the festive atmosphere.
Guided by MYA president Ramani Kumar Molsom and General Secretary Rambabu Molsom, the festival served as an inspiring reminder of the community’s deep-rooted traditions and their commitment to preserving them for future generations.
The term “Anthar Buthar” holds deep symbolic meaning in Molsom culture — “Anthar” denotes freshly collected green vegetables, while “Buthar” signifies newly harvested rice from jhum cultivation. The festival, inherited from the tribe’s ancestors, is a traditional thanksgiving celebration expressing gratitude to the Almighty for a prosperous harvest.
The term “Anthar Buthar” holds deep symbolic meaning in Molsom culture — “Anthar” denotes freshly collected green vegetables, while “Buthar” signifies newly harvested rice from jhum cultivation. The festival, inherited from the tribe’s ancestors, is a traditional thanksgiving celebration expressing gratitude to the Almighty for a prosperous harvest.
Beyond its spiritual essence, Anthar Buthar has evolved into a platform for the Molsom community to celebrate their cultural identity, social values, and unity. The festival also promotes inter-community harmony, bringing together leaders and members of other indigenous groups including the Kaipeng, Debbarma, Darlong, Jamatia, Kalai, and Bongcher communities.
During the event, speakers emphasised the importance of protecting the Molsom tribe’s heritage, language, attire, customs, and faith while encouraging youth participation in cultural preservation.
