A three-day exhibition, seminar and cultural festival celebrating the rich intellectual and artistic heritage of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community commenced on Thursday at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel in Agartala. The event has been organized by the Socio-Cultural Society of Bishnupriya Manipuri with the objective of preserving and promoting the community’s unique cultural identity and traditions.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Tripura Minister for Industries and Commerce Santana Chakma, who formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Several prominent members of the community, including Society President Alaka Sinha, General Secretary Prafulla Sinha and other distinguished guests, were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Santana Chakma praised the efforts of the organizers in showcasing the community’s rich legacy. She said the exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to experience the vibrant history and cultural journey of the Bishnupriya Manipuri people.
“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 minister remarked.
The festival features a wide range of activities, including exhibitions highlighting the historical evolution of the community, seminars focusing on its intellectual contributions, and cultural performances that reflect the grace and richness of Manipuri traditions. Scholars, cultural enthusiasts and community members are expected to participate in discussions on the preservation and promotion of the community’s heritage in contemporary times.
Despite being a relatively small community, the Bishnupriya Manipuris have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity and linguistic uniqueness over the years. While their language differs from the mainstream Meitei Manipuri spoken in Manipur, both communities have coexisted harmoniously in Tripura for generations, contributing significantly to the state’s multicultural fabric.
Organizers said the three-day programme aims not only to celebrate the community’s cultural achievements but also to inspire younger generations to remain connected with their roots. Through exhibitions, discussions and performances, the event seeks to reaffirm the enduring legacy of the Bishnupriya Manipuri people and their contributions to Tripura’s diverse cultural landscape.
The festival will continue over the next two days with a series of cultural showcases, seminars and interactive sessions dedicated to heritage, unity and artistic excellence.
