Tripura has secured another milestone in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, with the traditional “Tripura Sarinda” receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Tuesday.
In a Facebook post, Saha said the GI recognition for the indigenous stringed musical instrument would help safeguard, promote and popularise the state’s rich folk traditions while strengthening Tripura’s distinct cultural identity.
“The GI recognition for Tripura Sarinda is a significant step towards preserving and promoting our invaluable cultural heritage and folk traditions,” the Chief Minister said.
With the latest addition, Tripura now has four GI-tagged products. Saha said the recognition reflects the dedication, craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans and musicians associated with the traditional instrument.
He expressed confidence that the GI tag would further strengthen efforts to preserve the Sarinda and showcase Tripura’s indigenous cultural legacy at both national and international levels.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Information and Cultural Affairs portfolio, noted that Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, Risha/Pachra (Rignai) — the traditional attire of indigenous tribal communities — and Matabari Peda had previously received GI certification.
Matabari Peda, a dairy-based sweet, is traditionally offered as prasad at the 524-year-old Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati district. The temple is one of Hinduism’s 51 revered Shakti Peethas.
Tripura is also known for its Queen and Kew varieties of pineapple, which thrive in the state’s hilly terrain and humid climatic conditions with minimal use of chemical inputs. According to Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, the fruits are distinguished by their golden-yellow appearance, unique flavour and aroma when fully ripe.
Last month, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Chief Minister Saha and Agriculture Minister Nath, launched the Rs 236-crore “Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura” to expand cultivation and strengthen market access for the fruit.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to promote pineapple cultivation, Nath had said that the Queen Pineapple was declared the state fruit after the BJP government assumed office in 2018.
“The Queen variety pineapple already has a GI tag, which protects its uniqueness and authenticity. Our main objective is to increase pineapple production and expand its market. To achieve this, Pineapple Festivals are being organised regularly, and buyer-seller meets focusing on organic products have also been held,” Nath had said.
The latest GI recognition for the Tripura Sarinda is expected to enhance the visibility of the state’s traditional art forms and cultural assets while providing greater recognition to the artisans and musicians who have preserved the instrument across generations.
(With inputs from IANS)
