Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurates the state-level Tarlak Kut Festival 2026 in Kumarghat, celebrating Darlong harvest traditions, tribal heritage, cultural unity, and Tripura government’s commitment to inclusive development and indigenous identity.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the state-level Tarlak Kut Festival 2026 at Darchawi in Kumarghat, marking a significant celebration of the traditional harvest festival of the Darlong community. The event highlighted Tripura’s commitment to preserving indigenous culture while promoting unity and inclusive development.
The Chief Minister arrived in Kumarghat by train, where he was warmly received at the railway station by local leaders and members of the Darlong community. He was then escorted to the festival venue amid traditional greetings and cultural enthusiasm. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Social Education and Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy, Pabiachara MLA Bhagaban Das, senior government officials, and prominent community representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha expressed his happiness at participating in the festival and praised the cultural richness of the Darlong community. “I am delighted to join the state-level Tarlak Kut 2026, the Harvest Festival of the Darlong community, at Darchawi, Kumarghat today. The festival reflects the spirit of unity and proudly showcases the rich cultural heritage of our Darlong brothers and sisters,” he said.
He emphasized that festivals like Tarlak Kut play a crucial role in strengthening social harmony and preserving traditional values in a rapidly modernizing society. According to the Chief Minister, Tripura’s diverse cultural fabric is one of its greatest strengths, and the state government remains committed to protecting and promoting indigenous traditions.
Dr. Saha also recalled the historic milestone achieved in 2022, when the Darlong community was officially recognized through the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order Amendment Act. He described the recognition as a transformative moment that ended decades of identity challenges faced by the community. “This recognition is not merely a legal provision; it is an affirmation of self-identity, cultural pride, and historical dignity,” the Chief Minister stated.
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Following this recognition, the Tarlak Kut festival was granted state-level status and included in the annual cultural calendar of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs. The move, Dr. Saha said, reflects the government’s intention to institutionalize respect for tribal heritage and ensure long-term cultural preservation.
Highlighting development initiatives, the Chief Minister noted that nearly 40 percent of the state’s development expenditure during the 2024–25 financial year was allocated to tribal areas. He reiterated that tribal communities form the foundation of Tripura’s cultural and social identity, and their progress remains a top priority for the government.
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Expressing optimism for the future, Dr. Saha said that 2026 should mark a new chapter of peace, unity, and inclusive growth in the state. He added that festivals such as Tarlak Kut symbolize both continuity of tradition and the government’s resolve to strengthen tribal heritage across Tripura.
“Tripura is enriched by its vibrant diversity of cultures, customs, and traditions. I am happy to be a part of the Darlong community’s traditional harvest festival today,” the Chief Minister remarked, extending his best wishes to the community.
