Dance in Tripura

The dances of Tripura are elegant and rhythmic. Music and dance forms an inseparable part of the culture of the state. The state of Tripura has a rich cultural heritage. The cosmopolitan culture has been continuously enriching it. It is inhabited by 19 tribal communities, Manipuris, Bengalis and people belonging to many other communities. All the communities have their own distinct dance forms. Most of the folk dances of Tripura are performed during festivals or on festive occasions.

The dances of Tripura are performed by both men and women. They generally wear traditional dresses while performing the dance. The dances of Tripura are accompanied by a number of the musical Instruments like bamboo cymbal, Khamb, Flute made of bamboo, Khenggarang, Dhukuk etc. The traditional essence of these dances are maintained even today.

Hozagiri Dance is performed by the people of Reang Community of the state of Tripura. This community is believed to have migrated to Tripura in the mid fifteenth century from somewhere in the hill tracts of Chittagong. The Hozagiri Dance is quite different from other dance forms of the region. The theme of the dance is nearly the same as of that of other tribes.

The Hozagiri Dancers practice various kinds of acrobatic skills. They stand on an earthen pitcher and put a bottle with a lighted lamp on it on their head and dance on the rhythm of the music. It requires a lot of skill and training to perform this dance. Reang belle dancers bewilder the spectators with the rhythmic twisting of their waist and the lower part of the body. The women of Reang Community dress themselves in black Pachra and Rea while performing the dance. Reang women put on coins ring, which generally covers their entire upper region. The women dancers decorate their ears with rings made of coin. In comparison to jewelry made from metals they prefer fragrant flowers.

The Hozagiri Dance is accompanied by musical Instruments like Khamb, bamboo Flute and bamboo cymbal. While performing the dance the dancers do not move their hands and even the upper part of their body. This form of dance is very elegant and the movement of the body parts below the waist is more important. The dancers creates wonderful wave with their waist down to their feet.