Published Paper Details:

This study explores the cultural significance of folk art among the Reang (Bru) community of Tripura, with particular focus on textile weaving, bamboo craft, ornaments, music, and dance. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Kanchancherra village in Dhalai District, along with earlier observations and informal interviews, the research highlights how these art forms are deeply embedded in everyday life and identity rather than functioning as separate, purely aesthetic traditions. Weaving remains a central expression of Reang womanhood, and the rignai and risa are still worn with pride. While older women maintain traditional black-and-white designs, younger women increasingly adopt brighter colours and new patterns, reflecting both continuity and subtle change. Bamboo crafts such as baskets and mats continue to serve domestic, agricultural, and ritual purposes, though their everyday use is declining due to the availability of cheaper industrial alternatives. Ornaments retain cultural value, especially during festivals, but the shift from silver to aluminium and other metals signals changing economic conditions and evolving gender roles. Music and dance, particularly Hojagiri, remain vibrant and widely performed, supported by schools and cultural programmes. However, knowledge transmission is increasingly fragile as younger generations balance education, migration, and shifting aspirations. The study suggests that community-led initiatives, school-based cultural activities, and market-linked craft support could strengthen continuity while allowing creativity and adaptation. The findings emphasise that preserving Reang folk art is not only about safeguarding craft techniques but also about sustaining cultural identity, social memory, and community pride.