Tripura, one of India’s culturally rich northeastern states, marked a historic moment by hosting the Baba Garia Festival at the state level for the very first time in April 2025. Traditionally observed by the indigenous Tripuri community, the event took on a grander form this year as the state government stepped in to celebrate and promote tribal unity, heritage, and spiritual identity on a wider platform.
Held at Agartala’s heritage park, the inaugural state-level celebration drew thousands of people from across the state’s diverse tribal communities. The event served not only as a religious gathering but also as a vibrant expression of the cultural identity that forms the backbone of Tripura’s indigenous society.
Rooted in Faith and Culture
Baba Garia is a revered deity among the Tripuri people, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and community welfare. Every year, the Garia Puja is celebrated on the seventh day of the Bengali month of Baisakh (mid-April), where bamboo poles adorned with flowers and garlands are worshipped as a representation of the deity. Offerings include fowl, rice beer, and traditional delicacies, followed by folk dances and music that echo the spirit of communal joy and spiritual reverence.
The decision to elevate the Baba Garia Festival to a state-level event was taken by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. The goal was to unify tribal communities and preserve indigenous practices, many of which are at risk of being overshadowed by modernization and cultural homogenization.
A Platform for Unity
“This is not just a festival; it’s a revival of our shared roots,” said Chief Minister Saha while inaugurating the event. “Tripura’s strength lies in its cultural diversity, and through this celebration, we are fostering inclusivity, peace, and pride among our tribal brethren.”
The festival featured a rich line-up of cultural performances by tribal artists from various districts, showcasing traditional dances such as the Hojagiri, Lebang Boomani, and Mamita. Artisans set up stalls displaying handwoven textiles, bamboo crafts, and traditional tribal jewelry, drawing visitors from urban and rural areas alike.
Religious rituals remained at the heart of the celebration, with priests performing the ceremonial puja early in the morning. Traditional bamboo drums and flutes created an immersive spiritual atmosphere as devotees offered prayers for prosperity, good harvest, and harmony.
Reviving Identity Through State Recognition
What made this year’s Baba Garia Festival particularly meaningful was the level of participation and attention it received from both government and non-government organizations. The state’s Department of Tribal Welfare and the Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA) Motha played instrumental roles in organizing the festivities.
For many members of the tribal community, especially the youth, this initiative marked a turning point. “I’ve always celebrated Garia Puja in my village, but seeing it honored at the state level fills me with pride,” said Ananya Debbarma, a young college student from Khowai. “It makes me feel like my culture matters.”
The celebration also included discussions and workshops on tribal customs, sustainable living, and language preservation, bringing scholars and community elders together to pass down ancestral wisdom to the younger generation.
Tourism and Economic Prospects
The state government is also eyeing the tourism potential of the festival. By positioning Baba Garia as a spiritual and cultural attraction, officials believe Tripura can carve out a niche in the growing sector of tribal and heritage tourism. “We want to showcase Tripura not only as a scenic destination but also as a land of living traditions,” said an official from the Tourism Department.
A Step Towards Cultural Confidence
The success of the first state-level Baba Garia Festival signals a renewed emphasis on indigenous voices and customs in Tripura’s public sphere. At a time when tribal communities across India are fighting to preserve their unique identities, Tripura has taken a commendable step in integrating its indigenous heritage into the mainstream narrative.
By honoring the age-old traditions of Baba Garia in a modern, inclusive format, the state has set a precedent for cultural celebration that is rooted in unity, respect, and shared history — a fitting tribute to Tripura’s vibrant tribal soul.