Matabari Pera, the prasad of Tripureswari temple; Rignai Pachra, a handwoven cloth material; and traditional attire Risa—the three iconic products from the state of Tripura—were officially granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2024. According to the press release made by the state government, this achievement not only celebrates the rich heritage of Tripura, but further highlights the efforts of the state government in preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of the state.
Pera Prasad of Tripureswari Temple
Known locally as Devi Tripureswari, Tripura Sundari Temple is a Hindu temple which is located in the ancient city of Udaipur, at Agartala, Tripura. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, and is popularly known as Matabari. The common prasad offered here is the Pera or the Peda (a sweet made of milk and sugar, and is renowned for its unique taste and cultural significance). This Pera is deeply rooted in local traditions.
There has been an increase in demand for Pera among locals of Tripura as well as tourists and visitors. Hence, many companies have started marketing the product to customers across the world. Presently, many social media and online marketing platforms have started marketing Pera, which can now be bought online by interested buyers.
The Matabari Mahila Cluster Level Bahumukhi Samabaya Samity Limited had applied for the GI tag for Matabari Pera.
Rignai Pachra
Rignai Pachra is a cloth woven by tribals, especially by women in handwoven looms in their homes. This handwoven cloth is used by tribal women as the lower garment. Rignai literally means 'to wear'. It could be interpreted as an indigenous form of sari of mainland India. In the recent times, it is given as a gift to people as a mark of love and respect. It holds a symbolic value within Tripura's cultural tapestry. Rignai Pachra reflects the rich legacy of the textile heritage of the region. Indigenous materials and techniques are used by skilled artisans to meticulously craft Rignai Pachra. Its traditional allure has attracted the interest among urban dwellers, particularly in metropolitan cities.
In March 2023, the Mahila Cluster Bahumukhi Samabaya Samity Limited had applied for the GI tag of Rignai Pachra.
Risa
Risa is renowned for its long-lasting texture, unique multicoloured combinations, and astonishing stylish designs. It is woven by tribal women of Tripura on loin looms, and carry enormous significance for Tripuri art. They use multicoloured warp and weft threads to make Risa on the loom, making the most exquisite and fashionable designs. It is often presented to distinguished recipients as a mark of honour.
Risa, an upper garment woven with vibrant colours, has an important social and religious significance. Around the age of 12 to 14, adolescent Tripuri girls are given their first Risa to wear at an event called ‘Risa Sormani’.
Risa is worn by tribal people during religious festivals like Garia Puja. It is worn by males as a turban at weddings and festivals. It is also worn as cummerbund over the dhoti by men. Young boys and girls use it as a head scarf or muffler during winters. The cloth is further used as a makeshift hanger to hold an infant on mother’s back. Nearly all 19 of Tripura’s indigenous tribal communities weave and use Risa. Each and every community has its own unique design of Risa.
The Killa Mahila Cluster of Gomati district, promoted by Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), obtained the GI tag. In May 2022, the then chief minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, had taken the first move to recognise RISA with the GI tag. This, was to increase its international popularity and marketing potential. Since the party came into power in 2018, the BJP-IPFT government in Tripura has worked to promote the traditional Risa handwoven cloth used by indigenous groups, as the unique identity of the state.
Traditional Attire of Tripura
The traditional Tripuri female attire consists of three parts—Risa, Rignai and Rituku. Risa is a handwoven fabric that is used by women as an upper garment and could also be used as a stole, headdress, or a present to express respect. It is wrapped around the torso twice as an upper garment. Rignai is primarily worn as the lower garment. Rituku is primarily worn as a wrap, like an Indian saree’s ‘chunri’ or ‘pallu’. Newly wedded Tripuri women use it to cover their heads.
There are claims that the entire Tripuri attire dates back much further, predating the Manikya dynasty. Manikya dynasty ruled Tripura for more than five centuries, starting from the 15th century. Maharaja Trilochana, also known as Subhrai Raja, is credited with inventing nearly 250 designs of Rignai for his 250 wives; however, this fact of history is debated.
Handloom Industry of Tripura
There were about 34,356 tribal families and 34,485 loin-looms in Tripura, according to the 1921 Census. But according to the 1955–1956 Industrial Survey Report, there were only 15,000 weavers in all.
According to experts, the GI tag is expected to stimulate the rich art form and increase the declining number of traditional weavers. The GI tag would protect these products legally from unauthorised use or imitation. It would help in maintaining their authenticity and the cultural legacy attached to them. Moreover, this acknowledgement makes it easier for these products to be promoted and accessed on the domestic and international markets. This would also help in creating job prospects for the local communities who are involved in their production.
In addition to promoting ethical production methods and strengthening indigenous communities involved in the manufacture and trade of these items, the GI tag would now further act as a catalyst for sustainable development efforts.
Other GI Tags of Tripura and North East
The queen pineapple of Tripura, is another product that has already got a GI tag. With the initiative of the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), 12 other fruits and vegetables of Northeast have already received the GI tag—Arunachal Orange, Mizo Chilli, Kachai Lemon, Khasi Mandarin, Tezpur Litchi, Sikkim Large Cardamom, Karbi Anglong Ginger, Naga Tree Tomato, ‘Chak-Hao’ Black Rice, Memang Narang, Dalle Khursani, and Naga Sweet Cucumber.
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