By TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd October 2025: The 18th edition of the Anthar Buthar Festival, Tripura’s most celebrated annual cultural event of the Molsom tribe, concluded successfully today in Makhucherra village under Atharabola VC, Killa block, Udaipur. The two-day harvest festival, held on October 21–22, was inaugurated by Darlong community leader Tinkhuma Darlong, General Secretary of UNAU, in the presence of numerous dignitaries and tribal representatives.
Organized by the Molsom Youth Association (MYA) and the Molsom Dofa Rai Committee, in collaboration with ICA, ICAT, and the Tribal Welfare Department, the festival embraced the theme “Tradition Illuminates the Path of Modernity.” It drew widespread participation from indigenous communities across Tripura, transforming the village into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and celebration.
The festival grounds buzzed with activity as visitors explored stalls, exhibitions, and traditional food showcases. A rich spectrum of Molsom cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere, captivating audiences and reinforcing the tribe’s artistic heritage. Under the leadership of MYA President Ramani Kumar Molsom and General Secretary Rambabu Molsom, the event fostered unity and pride among participants.
Rooted in ancestral tradition, the term Anthar Buthar signifies gratitude for the season’s first harvest—Anthar referring to freshly gathered green vegetables, and Buthar to newly harvested rice from jhum cultivation. The festival serves as a spiritual offering to the divine, expressing thanks for abundance and blessings.
Beyond its ceremonial significance, Anthar Buthar is a powerful platform for cultural preservation and social dialogue. Molsom leaders used the occasion to spotlight issues of education, economic development, social harmony, and the safeguarding of language, attire, cuisine, and religious practices. Their message was clear: heritage is not just to be remembered, but actively protected and promoted.
The festival also welcomed leaders from other tribal communities—including Kaipeng, Debbarma, Darlong, Jamatia, Kalai, and Bongcher—who joined in the celebrations, reinforcing inter-community solidarity and mutual respect.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Rampada Jamatia praised the Molsom community’s efforts toward social progress: “I commend the Molsom society for their determination to advance alongside other communities. I stand with them in their journey, and with cooperation, a promising future awaits. Their commitment to preserving heritage is a beacon for all.”
Among the distinguished attendees were Laldam Kaipeng (Kaipeng representative), Kamal Bongcher (Bongcher Rai), Nijer Bandhu Molsom (senior MYA adviser), Sukhamoy Molsom (Gamaku cluster president), and Anup Kalai (society leader), along with many others who contributed to the festival’s success.
The Anthar Buthar Festival continues to be a testament to the Molsom tribe’s enduring legacy and their vibrant role in Tripura’s cultural mosaic.
