Kumarghat, Tripura, Jan 15, 2026: The State-Level Darlong Tharlak Kut 2026, the traditional harvest festival of the Darlong community, was celebrated with great enthusiasm, cultural splendour and community spirit at Kumarghat on Thursday. The event brought together community leaders, public representatives, cultural performers and residents from different parts of the state to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and achievements of the Darlong people.
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| Manik Saha, Chief Minister sounding the gong |
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha attended the festival as the chief guest and joined the celebrations that showcased the community’s vibrant cultural identity. The festival featured traditional dances, folk songs, indigenous musical performances, rituals and displays of traditional attire, highlighting the Darlong community’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture, nature and ancestral customs.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Feathers of Time,” symbolising the community’s journey through generations—from ancestral wisdom and historical struggles to modern progress and confidence—while preserving its unique cultural identity. The theme resonated strongly with participants, reflecting the balance between cultural preservation and contemporary development.
Addressing a large gathering, Chief Minister Manik Saha recalled his personal association with one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Darlong community—their recognition as a tribal community. Sharing a personal anecdote from the early days of his political career, he said he had been given only a short period of time to study and present the case for the community’s inclusion in the list of recognised tribal communities.
“Within one and a half hours, I had to gather information and speak on your behalf so that the Darlong community could be enlisted as a tribal community. After that, it was enlisted, and I am very happy,” he said. The Chief Minister described the episode as one of the most memorable moments of his public life and said he felt honoured to have contributed to a cause that carried immense significance for the community.
Dr. Saha noted that the Darlong community, with a population of around 11,000, has made remarkable strides in various fields over the years. He highlighted achievements in education, culture, administration and public service, noting that many members of the community now occupy important positions in government and local institutions.
He said festivals such as Tharlak Kut play an important role in preserving indigenous traditions and strengthening social cohesion. According to him, such celebrations not only provide an opportunity to honour ancestral wisdom and cultural heritage but also foster unity and collective identity among younger generations.
The Chief Minister described the constitutional recognition of the Darlong community as a residual tribe under the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2022 as a historic achievement. He said the recognition brought an end to decades of uncertainty and struggle faced by the community and marked a new chapter in its development journey.
“This constitutional recognition is recognition of self-respect, self-identity and cultural dignity,” he said. He added that since the recognition was granted, Tharlak Kut has gained greater prominence and has been included as a state-level festival in the annual calendar of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA).
Dr. Saha also used the occasion to highlight the state government’s commitment to tribal welfare and inclusive development. He stated that nearly 40 per cent of Tripura’s development expenditure is directed towards tribal area development, reflecting the government's focus on ensuring balanced growth across all communities.
He outlined a range of initiatives undertaken for the welfare of tribal communities, including investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, livelihood generation and cultural preservation. These efforts include scholarships for students, construction of hostels, establishment of new schools, women entrepreneurship programmes, sports infrastructure and special livelihood support schemes aimed at improving economic opportunities in tribal areas.
The Chief Minister further highlighted major achievements such as the resolution of the long-standing Bru refugee issue, peace initiatives involving the surrender of insurgent groups, increased financial support to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and the granting of Geographical Indication (GI) tags to traditional tribal products such as risa and pachra. He said these measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to preserving tribal identity while promoting socio-economic advancement.
Addressing social challenges, Dr. Saha reiterated the government's campaign against drug abuse and urged young people to stay away from narcotics. Delivering a strong message, he said, “If football is a game, drugs are shame,” emphasizing the need for collective efforts to build a healthy and productive society.
The Chief Minister stressed that tribal communities are the foundation of Tripura’s cultural heritage and identity. He assured the gathering that the government would continue to protect their rights, land, language, traditions and dignity while ensuring that development reaches every household.
As the celebrations concluded, Dr. Saha extended his best wishes for the success of Darlong Tharlak Kut 2026 and called upon all communities to work together for peace, harmony and progress. He said the festival serves as a reminder that cultural heritage and development can go hand in hand, and urged everyone to contribute towards building a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Tripura.
The event ended with colourful cultural performances and traditional ceremonies, reaffirming the Darlong community’s pride in its heritage and its aspirations for a brighter future within a rapidly developing Tripura.
