TRIPTI Saraswati Pujo 2024

The legacy of Tripura continues in the heart of Silicon Valley, California.

Tripti, an organization based in the Bay Area, California, diligently upholds our state's traditions, culture, and customs even in the United States of America.

      With most of the attendees in this group picture  PC: Rajat Naha

For the fourth time since 2019, over 100+ Tripti members (connected to Tripura either by birth or through marriage) congregated to observe Saraswati Puja at Centerville Community Center, Fremont, in February 2024. 

In the shadow of today’s humdrum, many traditional rituals have faded. Still, our customs have endured across time and distance, and even after thousands of miles of migration, our roots remain strong. This is also an effort for the parents to expose the next generation to the culture we grew up in and to remember where we came from because we believe that the stronger the roots, the higher the tree will be.

Our MVP (Most Valuable Purohit) Tirtha

The celebration also included traditional puja by our in-house purohit, art exhibitions of rare photos depicting the history of Tagore and Tripura, craft booths manned by children teaching their origami skills to other children, and an open mic for children and adults. And, of course, khichuri bhog, makha prasad, and other offerings from the members.

Vintage Banner design by me

 
Srila di, our Program Director, sharing credits for those who helped us materialize this

Participants at the end of our program. The rehearsals have been a great bonding exercise.

During this year’s celebration of Baag Devi Saraswati, we presented a musical showcase with an amalgamation of song-dance-narration-recitation titled "Chiro Shakhyota," symbolizing the timeless connection between Gurudeb Rabindranath Tagore and Tripura.

Our beloved Maharaja Birchandra Manikya of Tripura, a connoisseur of literature, found inspiration in Tagore's verses. Tagore's visit to Tripura and his creation of literature and songs inspired by the landscapes and history of Tripura were an integral part of the program. Tripti members have worked tirelessly to honor this historical legacy. 

Today, Tripura's children around the globe actively engage in preserving our heritage, history, and culture. Our future is in good hands.

There was also an open-mic hosted by me

Cottage industry in Tripura

Tripura, a state in northeastern India, where I was born, has a rich tradition of cottage industry that plays a crucial role in its economic and social fabric. It is diverse, encompassing various traditional crafts, handloom weaving, bamboo and cane crafts, sericulture, and food processing.

Handloom Weaving:

Artisans producie various traditional and contemporary textile products. The state is known for its unique handwoven fabrics, including cotton and silk, with intricate designs and vibrant colors. The traditional items produced include Risa and Riha. 

In fact, it was a pre-requisite for every tribal girl to know how to weave. Otherwise, she should not be considered as a potential bride. (source : Tripura Tourism)

Bamboo and Cane Crafts:

Tripura has a vast bamboo forest cover, and the state is known for its bamboo and cane crafts. Artisans create a wide range of products using bamboo and cane, including furniture, decorative items,  table mats, floor mats, room dividers, decorated wall panels, and traditional household articles.

This bamboo peacock used to be a common decorative item placed on the TV in most houses

We also had room dividers to set up privacy

Sericulture:

Sericulture, or silk farming, is another critical cottage industry in Tripura. The state produces mulberry and non-mulberry silk, with sericulturists rearing silkworms and producing silk yarn.

Food Processing:

Cottage industries in Tripura also include food processing units, where local communities engage in pickling, jam-making, and traditional food preparation activities. The production of bamboo shoot-based products is also a notable aspect of food processing.

Art and Handicrafts:

Various art and handicrafts, including traditional paintings, wood carving, and pottery, contribute to the rich cultural heritage of Tripura by showcasing the ethnic diversity of the state and its indigenous communities.

Khadi and Village Industries:

Khadi and village industries have been promoted to provide employment opportunities and to preserve and promote traditional skills. Various products like khadi garments, handmade paper, and herbal products are produced in these industries.

The state government, along with various agencies and NGOs, has been working towards promoting and developing these cottage industries. Initiatives include training, financial assistance, and marketing support to the artisans and entrepreneurs involved in these sectors. Additionally, efforts have been made to link these cottage industries with national and international markets to enhance their visibility and market reach.

Note: You may buy from handicraft items from Purbasha, the Tripura Government Handicrafts Emporium in West Tripura.

সৃষ্টি সংলাপ

শুভ বিজয়া সকলকে । 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

আপনাদের জন্য একটা বিশেষ উপহার নিয়ে এসেছি বন্ধুদের সঙ্গে মিলে, আশা করি আপনাদের ভাল লাগবে।

বাঙালি সাহিত্য প্রেমীদের জন্য তৈরি বিনামূল্যে ম্যাগাজিন। আমার ব্লগে আপনার পছন্দের লেখা নিয়ে আপনার মতামত অবশ্যই জানাবেন।

 "সৃষ্টি সংলাপ" or "A Dialogue in Creations" is a heartfelt endeavor, carefully compiled and gathered directly from budding Bengali writers.

Indulge in this complimentary magazine designed for Bengali literature enthusiasts. 

Please share your feedback on my blog about your favorite writers. 

I promise you that your comments will be relayed to them.

Google Drive link

Literary Festival Day 2 at Sanskriti Durga Puja 2023

Organized by Dishari Public Library and Sikor o Dana Book Club. Hosted by me.

On Day 2, we discussed the works of a prominent Bengali writer, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay.

উমার মায়ের কাছে তার লেখা চিঠি

মা আসছে , তাই মনে খুব আনন্দ  ।

কিন্তু  আমাদের মা দুর্গা ও তো পরদেশী  ।

শুধু কিছুদিনের জন্য  নিজের মায়ের বাড়ি  যেতে পারে  ।

সে যদি তার মাকে চিঠি লিখতো  তাহলে সেটা কেমন হতো  ?

Call out for writers for open mics

This is a callout for local Bengali writers for the Literary Meet (Celebrating Bengali Language) at Sanskriti Durga Puja this year.

Address: 6430 Thornton Ave Newark, CA 94560 

I will be hosting open mics on Oct 14 from 2-4 p.m. for self-composed pieces and a discussion on the works of Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay on Oct 15 from 2-4 p.m. 

Sign up by letting me know, and I will send you the link to a Google Form.

Be inspired by nature

Being inspired by nature is a profound and timeless source of creativity and wisdom. Nature's intricate designs, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the delicate balance of ecosystems have sparked the imagination of artists, scientists, philosophers, and innovators throughout history.

From the graceful Fibonacci sequence found in seashells and sunflowers to the elegant engineering of bird's wings, nature's patterns and structures offer valuable lessons. They teach us about efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability. By observing nature, we can learn how to design more energy-efficient buildings, create sustainable agriculture practices, and develop innovative technologies inspired by the natural world.

Moreover, nature's beauty and serenity have a soothing effect on the human spirit. Time spent in natural settings can reduce stress, improve mental health, and promote well-being. This connection to nature fosters a sense of responsibility to protect and conserve our environment, recognizing that our well-being is intricately linked to the planet's health.

Nature has been a constant muse in art, inspiring countless masterpieces in painting, sculpture, literature, and music. The play of light on leaves, the colors of a sunset, and the intricacies of a spider's web have all been translated into works of art that capture the essence of nature's beauty and complexity.

In essence, being inspired by nature is not just about admiration; it's about learning, innovating, and coexisting harmoniously with the natural world. It encourages us to seek sustainable solutions, celebrate the wonders of our planet, and recognize that we are part of a vast and interconnected web of life. Nature's lessons are timeless, and our ability to draw inspiration from it can lead to a more harmonious and sustainable future.