Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Tripura has secured another milestone in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, with the traditional “Tripura Sarinda” receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. With the latest addition, Tripura now has four GI-tagged products.
In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the GI recognition for the indigenous stringed musical instrument would help safeguard, promote and popularise the state’s rich folk traditions while strengthening Tripura’s distinct cultural identity.
“The GI recognition for Tripura Sarinda is a signi¿- cant step towards preserving and promoting our invaluable cultural heritage and folk traditions,” he said. Saha said the recognition reÀects the dedication, craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans and musicians associated with the traditional instrument.
He expressed con¿dence that the GI tag would further strengthen eႇorts to preserve the Sarinda and showcase Tripura’s indigenous cultural legacy at both national and international levels.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Information and Cultural Aႇairs portfolio, noted that Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, Risha/Pachra (Rignai) — the traditional attire of indigenous tribal communities — and Matabari Peda had previously received GI certi¿cation.
Matabari Peda, a dairybased sweet, is traditionally oႇered as prasad at the 524-year-old Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati district. The temple is one of Hinduism’s 51 revered Shakti Peethas.
Tripura is also known for its Queen and Kew varieties of pineapple, which thrive in the state’s hilly terrain and humid climatic conditions with minimal use of chemical inputs. According to Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, the fruits are distinguished by their golden-yellow appearance, unique Àavour and aroma when fully ripe.
Last month, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Chief Minister Saha and Agriculture Minister Nath, launched the Rs 236-crore “Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura” to expand cultivation and strengthen market access for the fruit
