Tripura is a traditional land with a rich heritage of culture and artwork. Traditional dress of Tripura includes Risa, Rignai and Rikutu. The Traditional dress of Tripura is similar in style to North-Eastern India but different in pattern and design.
Traditional Dress of Tripura For Men :
Tripuris have their traditional dresses. The traditional Dress of Tripura is very simple. Tripura is a hilly area surrounded by natural beauty. Weavers in Tripura are very talented and experienced.
1. Rikutu Gamchi
The Traditional dress of Men in Tripura is a towel, known as Rikutu Gamchi. Kubai is a type of shirt. Men in Tripura wear Rikutu Gamchi with shirt. To protect from the summer heat Men in Tripura wear Turban or Pagri over the head.
2. Kamchwlwi Borok
The dress of Tripura for Men counterpart for the loin area is Rikutu and the upper part is the kamchwlwi borok. However, today only a few people wear this.
3. Duti Borok
The Traditional dress of Men in Tripura consists of ‘Duti Borok’ for the loin and ‘Kamchwlwi borok’ for the upper part of the body. But nowadays people are not wearing this except in rural areas and working clans. The male has adopted the modern style of international dress Gaffa.
Traditional Dress of Tripura For Women :
1. Ringai
Each clan of Tripura has a different pattern of Rignai. The distinct pattern of Rignai differentiates which clan of Tripura belongs to. Rignai is the lower half of the dress. It is like a draped skirt.
2. Risa
Risa is the part of the dress that covers the upper part of women. Risa is worn by draping around the back twice to provide protection and support to the chest. In Tripura, it is a tradition to wear Risa for a bride. Risa is designed with straight patterns of fabrics in both horizontal and vertical views.
But nowadays, young girls are seen wearing Rignai with tops also. Risa is not worn nowadays, instead, the blouse is worn because of convenience.
Traditional Jewellery of Tripura :
Tripura has a large background of Hindus, Muslims, Christian, and Buddhists. Each tribe has different rituals. The costumes of each tribe are different distinguishing them. Along with costumes people also wear silver jewelry during festivals, ritualistic dances, and daily wear.
The traditional jewelry of Tripura is made of silver. The women of Tripura wear a necklace of coins, bangles, and nose ring made of silver or bronze. Flowers are also used sometimes.
Tripura is famous for handicrafts and handmade costumes. The origin of the Tripuris has inhabited by the Chinese-Tibetan people who migrated through the mountains. The Tripuris are the major group of the 19 tribes and subtribes of the state.
Tripura has colorful cultures and authentic traditions. Among all the tribes in Tripura, Raeng and Tripuri jewelry carry the essence of the state.
1. Coin Jewellery :
The jewelry of Tripura is unique and crafted by local men. The jewelry of Tripura is the favorite for tourists. The traditional jewellery of Tripura is mainly bronze, silver, and copper. The uniqueness of the jewelry of Tripura is the coin-shaped jewelry.
Coins of metals are used to make necklaces, earrings, anklets, or even headbands. The coins depict stories like lord Shiva killing the cruel King of Tripura. Animal horns and bones are also used in the jewelry of Tripura.
The jewelry design depicts the relationship between Man and Wild. Example- necklace made from Gaur buffalo head or headbands made from animal bones. Headbands are also decorated with bird feathers.
The Tripura Museum shows the coin jewelry by the kings of Tripura. Plain and round heavy metal necklaces are worn by the Raeng women.
2. Bamboo and Cane Jewellery :
The village craftsmen use bamboo and transform them into bamboo bangles, bamboo earrings, cane trendy necklaces, and many other items. The bamboo earrings are very lightweight, and all the bamboo jewelry is attractive.
Tripura men usually do not wear jewelry. On specific occasions, they may wear metal rings along with headbands and belts made of coins. Occasionally men wear a single ‘Kara’ or bangle on one hand. Coin necklaces are also worn by men in the Chakma tribe.
The jewelry of Tripura is being exported throughout the country and abroad. The tourists who visit Tripura throngs for the shopping of tribal jewelry.
This is in turn helps in the growth of the financial curve of Tripura. Both the state and central government are looking forward to commercializing more costumes and artifacts of Tripura.
Visitors going to Tripura can get this jewelry from Tripura Government handloom shops or directly from the tribals of Tripura. The native Tripura has a lot of hope and positivity for their future.
Culture of Tripura :
The culture of Tripura is distinct and like other people of North-east India. The culture of Tripura is characterized by small portions living in plain areas known as Tripura Culture. Tripura is a state in northeast India.
Tripura, being on the top of the Northeast, flourishes on the bounties of nature but the beauty of the state lies in human resources on one hand and rich cultural tradition on the other hand.
This is reflected as much in the delicately rhythmic physical movement of the ‘Hoza Giri’ dance of the Raeng tribesmen and the collective musical recitation of ‘Manasa mangal’ or ‘Kirtan’ of the non-tribals.
Apart from this, ‘Garia’ dance of the tribals, organized on New Year and worship of ‘Garia’ and ‘Dhamail’ dance of the non-tribals organized on familial occasions like weddings as well as music duels known as Kabi Gaan between 2 rival rhyme-makers forms the staple of Tripura Culture.
Festivals of Tripura :
1. Garia Pooja :
This festival of Tripura is celebrated all over Tripura. It is celebrated on the 7th day of Bengali month i.e., the 3rd week of April and it is celebrated for 7 days.
2. Asokaashtmi Festival :
This festival of Tripura is grandly celebrated at Unokati Archaeological Sites, Kaila Shahar.
Know more about the traditional dress of Assam here.
