The first-ever State-Level Jhumur and Tea Festival in Kailashahar, Tripura highlighted tribal heritage, tea community welfare, and government development efforts. Minister Tinku Roy announced major achievements, welfare schemes, and wage hikes during the Janajati Gaurav Diwas celebrations in Unakoti district.
Kailashahar witnessed a historic cultural moment as the first-ever State-Level Jhumur and Tea Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of indigenous heritage in Tripura. The festival, organised at the Rangrung High School ground under the Chandipur RD Block in Unakoti district, coincided with the nationwide observance of Janajati Gaurav Diwas on Saturday.
Jointly coordinated by the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs (ICA) and the Tribal Welfare Department, the event drew massive participation from various tribal groups, tea garden communities, school students, artists, and local residents. The day-long programme featured colourful cultural performances, welfare activities, and exhibitions that showcased the region’s rich ethnic diversity.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Tinku Roy, in the presence of key dignitaries, including Fagu Munda, head of the Munda community, Unakoti Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Amalendu Das, Additional District Magistrate Arghya Saha, Chandipur Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Sompa Das Pal, Vice-Chairman Binay Singh, District Education Officer Prashanta Kilakdar, and Zilla Parishad member Bimal Kar, among others.
Delivering his address, Minister Tinku Roy emphasised the government’s commitment to cultural preservation and inclusive development. He noted that Jhumur dance has been officially included for the first time in the ICA Department’s cultural calendar, enabling the traditional art form to be celebrated statewide.
Translated Speech (Minister Tinku Roy)
“For many years, Jhumur artists and tea community members were neglected. But our government has ensured that their traditions are recognised and promoted across the state. This festival marks a new beginning for cultural empowerment.”
The Minister strongly criticised previous administrations for what he termed as “decades of false promises” made to tea garden workers. He stated that despite their regular participation in political rallies in the past, tea workers did not receive any meaningful benefits.
Translated Speech
“Earlier governments used tea workers for political gain but gave them nothing in return. In the last seven years, our government has delivered real benefits—over 4,000 land pattas, more than 5,000 ration cards, and thousands of homes under PMAY.”
Highlighting the government’s focus on welfare, he spoke about the substantial improvement in daily wages for tea garden workers.
Translated Speech
“Until 2017, tea workers earned only ₹105 per day. Today, under our administration, their daily wage has increased to ₹204. This reflects our motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Development is not only for cities—tea workers must also progress equally.”
Throughout the day, a wide range of community-oriented activities were organised for the welfare of the local population. Numerous exhibition stalls were set up by different government departments, providing information, support services, and beneficiary-oriented materials.
The Social Welfare and Social Education Department distributed nutrition kits to four pregnant women, emphasising maternal health under social schemes. The NSS Unit of Vidyanagar Higher Secondary School extended humanitarian support by donating winter garments to 60 beneficiaries, while the Health Department facilitated registrations under the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) to strengthen access to digital health services.
Additionally, the Sub-Divisional Administration handed out PRTC and ST certificates, ensuring that tribal communities received timely administrative support. Departments including Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Fisheries also distributed essential materials to eligible beneficiaries to boost livelihood opportunities.
The festival’s cultural segment drew the most attention as performers showcased traditional Jhumur songs, dances, and tea community folk traditions. Artists representing various tribal communities performed to honor heroes of tribal history as part of the Janajati Gaurav Diwas celebration.
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Organisers and local leaders expressed pride in hosting the festival in Kailashahar for the first time, noting that such initiatives strengthen community bonds and promote ethnic unity. The event concluded with renewed commitment toward supporting indigenous culture while ensuring the overall development of tea garden workers and tribal populations in the region.
