The 34th State-Level Hojagiri Festival (Hojagiri Panda 2026) began on October 27 at Urichhara playground in Kanchanpur subdivision under the North Tripura District, bringing together Reang community members, artists and cultural troupes for two days of traditional dance, music, tribal sports and cultural exchange.
Key Takeaways
- Cooperation Minister Shukla Charan Noatia inaugurated the two-day 34th State-Level Hojagiri Festival at Urichhara playground in Kanchanpur.
- Hundreds of artists performed traditional Hojagiri dance, while cultural troupes from Tripura and other states joined the celebrations.
- Traditional Reang sports, government exhibition stalls and overnight dance performances form key attractions of the festival.
The two-day festival celebrates the state’s cultural diversity through traditional Hojagiri dance, folk performances and community-based activities.
State Cooperation Minister Shukla Charan Noatia inaugurated the festival by lighting a ceremonial lamp. Hundreds of artists then performed the traditional Hojagiri dance, marking the beginning of the cultural programme.
The festival has drawn enthusiastic participation from visitors and performers. Cultural troupes from different parts of Tripura are taking part, while dance groups from outside the state have also joined the celebrations.
Traditional Hojagiri Dance Marks Inauguration
The opening ceremony featured a collective Hojagiri dance performance by hundreds of artists. Their coordinated movements and traditional presentation captivated the audience and generated excitement across the playground.
Spectators turned up in large numbers to witness the performances. Their enthusiastic participation added to the festive atmosphere at the venue.
The inaugural ceremony brought together elected representatives, officials and members of the Bru Socio-Cultural Organisation. Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Chairman Bhabaranjan Reang attended the event alongside MLAs Pramod Reang and Philip Kumar Reang.
MDC Shailendra Chandra Nath, Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shubham Titte and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Utpalendu Debnath were also present. The president, general secretary and other members of the Bru Socio-Cultural Organisation’s central committee attended the programme.
Bru Socio-Cultural Organisation General Secretary Lalbahadur Reang delivered the welcome address. He greeted the guests, artists and visitors and expressed his hope for the festival’s success.
Leaders Stress Preservation of Tribal Heritage
Minister Shukla Charan Noatia and other dignitaries highlighted the cultural significance of the festival in their speeches. They stressed the need to preserve Tripura’s rich cultural heritage, promote its traditions and pass them on to future generations.
They also underlined the contribution of different communities and tribal groups to the state’s cultural diversity. Such festivals, they noted, provide a platform for communities to showcase their traditions and strengthen public awareness of their cultural identity.
The participation of artists from different communities forms an important part of the event. Through dance, music and folk performances, the festival brings diverse cultural traditions together on a common platform.
Government Departments Set Up Exhibition Stalls
Several government departments have opened exhibition stalls at the festival venue. The stalls aim to inform visitors about development activities, public welfare schemes and government services.
Visitors can learn about various government initiatives and development programmes through these displays. The exhibitions also provide departments with an opportunity to raise public awareness about their activities and services.
The stalls add an informational component to the cultural celebrations, allowing visitors to explore government programmes alongside the festival’s artistic performances.
Dance Troupes From Tripura and Other States Participate
Hojagiri dance troupes from different parts of Tripura are participating in the two-day event. Artists from other communities and tribal groups will also present traditional dances and music representing their respective cultures.
Performances by Bodo and Bihu dance troupes from outside Tripura are among the festival’s major attractions. Their participation broadens the programme beyond the state and introduces visitors to other cultural traditions.
The organisers have included these performances to showcase the diversity of folk art and traditional music represented at the festival. The programme combines the distinctive traditions of Tripura’s communities with performances from other parts of the country.
Traditional Reang Sports Scheduled on Oct 28
The second day of the festival will feature traditional games and various sporting competitions associated with the Reang tribal community. Organisers have scheduled the competitions for Wednesday afternoon.
The activities aim to showcase the community’s traditional way of life, sporting practices and social heritage. They also complement the cultural performances by highlighting another aspect of Reang traditions.
Hojagiri dance performances will continue throughout the night on the second day. The extended programme will give visitors further opportunities to experience the community’s traditional dance and cultural expressions.
The two-day festival brings together dance, music, traditional sports and public information activities. Through these events, the organisers seek to celebrate Tripura’s cultural diversity and promote the preservation of its traditional heritage.
