Branding Bangladesh in Tourism

The Tripura are one of the largest ethnic communities in Bangladesh. According to the census of 1991, the number of Tripura living in the country is 80,000 which have certainly increased in the last 18 years. Tripura largely live in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The name of their language is Kakbarok which is one of the languages of Tibeto-Burmese family. Beside CHT, they also live in Comilla, Moulavibazar, and Sylhet etc. Tripura has their own way of living life and they are quite different from others in their customs, rituals and cultural values. Though they are vastly affected by other cultures around them, they always try to keep their distinct cultural values intact. There are several kinds of dances which they Tripuras have skilled through the cultural spirit of many years. The mentionable dances are Godaia dance, Katharak dance, Ker Worship dance etc.

The creator is called Godaiya by the Tripuras. They believe that Godaiya controls all the living things. The Godaiya worship starts on the last month of Bangla calendar-Chaitra. The worship lasts for long seven days. The Tripura people perform the Godaiya dance to satisfy the creator. They star the jum cultivation after the worship. They believe that Godaiya will save them from all kinds of danger. He is the one who can bring prosperity to the community. The Tripuras are very much concerned to their religion. So, this worship before the jum cultivation is a significant festival for them.