Cultural Life of Tripura Community : Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Perspective (ত্রিপুরা জনগোষ্ঠীর সাংস্কৃতিক জীবন : প্রেক্ষাপট পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম)

Abstract

This paper concerns about the cultural life of Tripura community of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. The CHT consists of three hill districts named Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. It is also the home of 11(eleven) indigenous groups. They are Chakma, Marma, Tripura (Tipra), Tanchangya, Mru or Murung, Khumi, Bawm or Bonjogi, Pangkhoa, Lushai, Chak and Khyang. Among them the Tripuras are considered as the third largest indigenous group in the vast mountainous region. They all belong to the Mongoloid ethnic group. Each indigenous group of CHT has its own separate dialect, food habits, dress, religious beliefs, rituals, festivals, history, heritage, diverse culture and above all traditional way of life. Tripura community live in the three hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. But most of the Tripuras originally live in Khagrachari hill district. Furthermore, nearly half a million Tripura have been living separately in Chittagong, Noakhali, Chandpur, Comilla, Moulavibazar, Sylhet, Faridpur and Dhaka districts since time immemorial. The community is divided into 36 clans, popularly known as ‘Dofa’. Out of these 36 clans, a total of 16 sub-groups are currently living in Bangladesh. Among the Tripuras diversity is observed in terms of behavior, dress, customs, speech and use of ornaments. The family structure of the Tripura community is patriarchal. Their language is popularly known as ‘Kok Borok’. Their main festival is called ‘Boishu’. Most of the Tripuras are followers of Hinduism and a significant portion of them follow Christianity. Their cultural life is really very impressive. The natural features of Tripura community will easily charm any person. The Tripura community is humble, peace-loving, hospitable, helpful, liberal, friendly and hard working. In CHT, the Tripura community have been living peacefully with the neighboring indigenous communities and the Bengalis for many ages. They believe in peace and harmony. This article will explore the cultural life of Tripura community of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).