Craft Exhibition Art and The Hidden Life Philosophy of The Tripura Culture

Borendra Lal Tripura

Shaila Ahmed

Like the Tripuras of other parts of the Indian sub-continent, the Tripuras living in Bangladesh also have rich culture and cultural events. One of the aspects of these cultural events is performing arts. There are many important philosophies and directions of life embedded in these traditional craft exhibitions that follow and reflect in everyday life so that we can enrich and refine our lives. In this article we want to focus on that life philosophy and guidance.

Katharrok Masana / Mangalik Dance

Katharrok Masana or Manglik dance is also known as “Bottle dance”. Extremely popular and eye-catching dance, this dance has gained a lot of prestige and recognition in the recent era of stage culture. Basically, this dance is an integral part of the life and social life of Tripura. This dance is performed in the wedding ceremonies of rich families in a very competitive manner and seeks the blessings of the Creator. The dancers of the bride and groom perform this dance with many balancing instruments.

Artist from Tripura state perform a cultural dance on the second day of the state annual Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage village Kisama, some 15 kms away from Kohima, the capital city of India north eastern state of Nagaland on Friday, 02 December 2016. The Hornbill Festival which celebrates from December 1-10 celebrates the cultural heritage of the Nagas. (Photo by Caisii Mao/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Each of the artists has two plates in their hands, a bottle of wine on the head and a lit candle at the top. The performers begin the dance by bowing to the tune of Katharrok Matai to the tune of the flute. They must carry plates and bottles in their hands for the whole time of dancing. At one stage of the dance-craft performance in different rhythms, the artists climbed on the water-filled jug and performed dances of different coins on the jug. Lastly, while standing on one leg of the jug, a bottle of wine with a burning candle on the head and two plates in both hands is used to demonstrate good balance.

The Tripuras believe that the party that is able to perform the dance longer while maintaining the balance of these four instruments will lead the family life with the blessings of the Katharak deity. How this leadership and prestige is imparted has a huge significance in this dance, its dance instruments and their balance.

The lit candle is a symbol of wisdom, the wine bottle is a symbol of honor and power, the plate is a symbol of wealth and prosperity and the water jug is a symbol of stability and well-being.

We need these four tools for leadership in our worldly life or family life and we need to maintain a balance between these tools i.e. knowledge, ability, wealth and welfare thinking / stability. Those who have these materials and those who can maintain the right balance of them gain leadership in family life and social life.

In terms of order importance, the place of knowledge is above all. Then there is honor or power; Aishwarya in third place. Again, knowledge, power, wealth must be managed for the sake of welfare.

Banchuchu Bangrai Grai: A Children’s Rhyme

Another gem of such a unique learning-philosophy is the popular children’s rhyme which is presented to the children through their active participation in the play. This Kokboruk rhyme, which has been around since time immemorial, may be a perpetual (dauphine) example of kindergarten schooling or play.

To present this rhyme, parents or carers of children lie on their backs on the bed, kneel down and place the children on their feet. Then they dance their legs and rocked the child like a cradle and present the rhyme:

“Banchuchu Bangrai Grai

 Asrai Bafang Kaidang

 Mandar Chapara Chapradang

 Muifarai Budukbay Knock Khadang

 Taktui Bakhalang Bai Nok Tangdang

 Muitak Bakambaya Sansadang

 Watoy-Nabar Faidong

 Barong Matai Masadang

 A – A – A Bajang Kalain ‘

 Bajang Kalaiya

 Gum Khaiyai Naidi Da ‘.

 A – A – A Ranchak Bulung ‘Kalaikhaya

 Ranchak Khalai Ladi,

 Rufain Bulung in Kalaikha

 Rufain Khalai Ladi,

 Awan Bulung Kalaikhaya

 Awan khalai chadi.

Takkhi Bulang Kalaikhaya

 Takkhi Bulzaknaya,

 Wakkhi Bulung Kalaikhaya

 Wakkhi Bulzak Nay-

 Menam Menam Menam!”  

This rhyme is presented to the children so many times during the game that every child can remember this rhyme for the rest of his life. But what remains hidden or missed is the unique teachings hidden within this rhyme, which could be an invaluable philosophy for shaping the future life of children. For that purpose, the underlying meaning of the rhyme needs to be explained once again at the beginning of adolescence. Below we try to analyze the significance. “

Our lives are like that of a squirrel climbing the Taki fish tree during the storm. We always need to be aware of where we fall from the trees that are shaken by the storm. “Rangchak Bulang ‘Kalaikhaya —” If we fall into the pile of gold, we will be able to pick up the gold. In other words, there are many golden aspects in life, there are opportunities, there are fields. If we can lead our lives in this way, then we will have a golden life. 

In the same way we can get a silver lining, a prosperous life according to our efficiency, awareness. Therefore, it is necessary to build a beautiful life by overcoming adversity and obstacles by keeping the goal always alert and conscious.

“Takkhi Bulung Kalaikhaya,

 Wakkhi Bulung Kalaikhaya,

 Menam Menam Menam !!! “

 “If you fall into chicken droppings,

 If you fall into pig droppings,

 It will stink.”

On the other hand, if we become unconscious, neglectful or knowingly choose the beady stinking place or reach the destination i.e. choose the bad side, evil deeds or the dark side of life, then life will be dark, smelly, filthy. 

What a profound life philosophy that is hidden within this little childish rhyme we often do not realize. So just as we present this rhyme to children repeatedly to give them indescribable joy, so we can present to the older children the meaning and hidden life philosophy of the rhyme frequently, so that they grow up with an invaluable guide in shaping their lives. 

Thus, there are many valuable life philosophies hidden in the popular dance-song, rhyme and various craft exhibitions prevalent in the public life of Tripura. Through the analysis and realization of which we can become richer and richer. So we have to continue our efforts to analyze, decipher and present this.