Tripura's traditional musical instrument 'Tripura Sarinda' receives GI recognition; CM Manik Saha calls its 'proud moment'
Agartala, June 16
The traditional musical instrument 'Tripura Sarinda' has recieved Geographical Identification recognition on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of the folk tradition of the state.
The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, shared the news of GI tag recognition for the state's musical instrument on his X handle. He described the Tripura Sarinda's GI Tag as a "significant step" in strengthening the "rich cultural heritage" of the state.
Manik Saha wrote, "A Proud Moment for Tripura's Rich Cultural Heritage. The Traditional Tripura Sarinda, a unique indigenous string musical instrument has received Geographical Identification (GI) recognition. The "Tripura Sarinda (Musical Instrument)" will mark a significant step towards preserving and promoting the treasured folk tradition, which will also strengthen the rich cultural heritage of the State."
He continued, "With this achievement, Tripura now has its 4th GI-tagged product. My heartiest congratulation to all the artisans/ musicians involved in this creation. Earlier, Tripura Queen Pineapple, Risha/Pachra (Rignai) and Matabari Peda had already received GI tag recognition."
Earlier, in a major historical milestone for the preservation of indigenous craft and cultural identity, the Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India, granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status to four iconic cultural and artisan products from Assam.
The four newly tagged indigenous treasures encompass a rich cross-section of Assam's tribal heritage, musicology, and natural resource craftsmanship - Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts, and Deuri Handloom Products.
The landmark achievement has been supported and facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Many of these products are deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric of rural communities and represent generations of accumulated traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
The legal certification marks a triumphant moment for the state's traditional sectors, ensuring unparalleled intellectual property protection, market premiumization, and global visibility for thousands of rural weavers and craftsmen.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, some good news for our Northeast! With so much focus on mainstream culture, it's heartening to see Assam and Tripura getting recognition for their traditional crafts. The Bihu Pepa and Deuri Handloom are also treasures. Hope this inspires more states to apply for GI tags. 😊
Great to see recognition for local artisans. The GI tag process should be streamlined though, it takes too long. Many small communities can't afford the paperwork and legal costs. The government should do more workshops in rural areas to help them apply.
I grew up in Tripura and have seen Sarinda performances at village fairs. The sound is so soulful - it makes you feel connected to our roots. So happy to see it get this recognition. It's not just an instrument, it's our identity. 🇮🇳
Good step but we need more practical support. GI tag alone won't save dying art forms. Artisans need market linkages, training for younger generations, and digital platforms to sell directly. Otherwise it's just a certificate on paper.
The cultural diversity of India never ceases to amaze me. From Matabari Peda to Risha fabric, each state has such unique traditions. Would love to see a Sarinda performance at a global cultural festival. Kudos to NABARD for facilitating this. 🌍🎶
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