Minister Santana Chakma inaugurates Bishnupriya Manipuri Cultural Festival in Agartala

The Socio-Cultural Society of Bishnupriya Manipuri launched a three-day exhibition, seminar, and cultural programme on Thursday at the Saheed Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, celebrating the intellectual and artistic legacy of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community.

The inaugural ceremony was marked by cultural solemnity and attended by Minister for Industries and Commerce Santana Chakma, who lit the holy lamp to open the programme. Also present were the organization’s president Alaka Sinha, general secretary Prafulla Sinha, and other prominent community leaders.

In her address, Minister Chakma remarked: “Walking through the exhibition felt like walking through a living history book. Heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for bringing us all together to celebrate, learn, and keep the flame of our beautiful Bishnupriya Manipuri culture burning bright.”

The event features enlightening discussions honoring the intellectual heritage of the community, alongside breathtaking cultural performances that showcase the elegance of Manipuri traditions.

Despite their small numbers, the Bishnupriya Manipuri community has remained deeply conscious of its cultural identity. Though linguistically distinct from the mainstream Meitei Manipuri of Manipur, both communities have coexisted in Tripura for centuries in peace and harmony.

The three-day programme will continue to highlight the cultural dimensions of the Bishnupriya Manipuri people in Tripura and beyond, reaffirming their legacy of unity, tradition, and artistic brilliance.