Tripura’s cultural heritage earned national recognition as Chandramita Roy won the Best National Costume award at Miss Teen Diva 2026 in Jaipur. Designed by Yana Ngoba Chakpu, the costume celebrated Tripura’s indigenous artistry, tribal traditions, handwoven textiles, and rich cultural identity.
Tripura has brought national recognition to its rich cultural heritage after Chandramita Roy won the prestigious Best National Costume award at the Miss Teen Diva 2026 competition held in Jaipur. The achievement has been widely celebrated as a proud moment for the state, highlighting not only an individual success but also the timeless traditions, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence of Tripura’s indigenous communities.
The award-winning costume was designed by Yana Ngoba Chakpu, Founder and CEO of Northeast India Fashion Week – The Artisans Movement. The creation stood out among contestants from across the country for its unique storytelling, cultural authenticity, and creative interpretation of Tripura’s tribal identity. The costume successfully blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, making it one of the most admired presentations at the national pageant.
Inspired by the rich heritage of the Debbarman (Tripuri) community, the costume prominently featured handwoven textiles produced through the traditional loin loom weaving technique. This centuries-old weaving practice has been preserved by tribal artisans across generations and remains one of Tripura’s most treasured cultural traditions. By incorporating these handcrafted fabrics, the design paid tribute to the dedication and skills of local weavers while bringing their work to a wider national audience.
One of the most striking elements of the costume was its dramatic wing-inspired structure, which drew inspiration from the Nageswar (Mesua ferrea), the official State Flower of Tripura. The floral motif symbolised resilience, natural beauty, and the enduring spirit of the state’s cultural identity. The costume was further enhanced with traditional Indian coin jewellery, handcrafted silver tribal ornaments, and vibrant red beads, creating a harmonious blend of elegance and heritage.
The presentation also received support from Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, reflecting the state government’s continued efforts to promote Tripura’s cultural wealth and tourism potential through creative and national platforms. Such initiatives are increasingly positioning the state as an emerging destination for cultural tourism, fashion, and indigenous art.
Expressing her happiness after receiving the honour, Chandramita Roy said it was a privilege to represent Tripura before the nation through a costume deeply rooted in the state’s traditions. She described the recognition as a tribute to the artisans and weavers whose dedication has kept these cultural practices alive for generations.
Designer Yana Ngoba Chakpu also emphasised that the costume was designed to narrate the story of India’s indigenous heritage. She noted that every woven fabric, ornament, and artistic detail honoured the artisans whose craftsmanship continues to preserve the cultural legacy of the Northeast.
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The recognition is being viewed as a significant milestone for Tripura and the entire Northeast region. Beyond the pageant stage, the award reinforces the growing importance of fashion as a platform for preserving indigenous traditions, promoting tourism, supporting local artisans, and presenting India’s diverse cultural identity to wider audiences. Chandramita Roy’s victory has not only elevated Tripura’s presence in the national fashion landscape but has also inspired renewed appreciation for the state’s rich tribal heritage and artistic excellence.
