Tripura’s Traditional ‘Risa’ Clothing Secures Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Tripura’s traditional tribal attire ‘risa’ has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• GI tag recognizes the unique qualities and origin of the product
• Risa is a handwoven cloth with cultural and religious significance for Tripura’s indigenous tribes

Identifying Risa

• Risa is a handwoven cloth used as a female upper garment, headgear, stole, or gift to express respect
• Woven in colorful designs, it holds crucial social and religious importance
• Adolescent Tripuri girls receive their first risa during the Risa Sormani ceremony at the age of 12 to 14

Religious and Cultural Significance

• Risa is used in religious festivals like Garia Puja by tribal communities
• Men wear it as a turban during weddings and festivals
• Young girls and boys use it as a head scarf
• It serves as a muffler during winters and a makeshift baby carrier for mothers

Prevalence Among Tripura’s Tribes

• Risa is common among almost all 19 indigenous tribal communities of Tripura
• The traditional Tripuri female attire consists of three parts:
  1. Risa (upper garment)
  2. Rignai (lower garment)
  3. Rikutu (wrap or chunri)
• The complete attire is believed to have originated before the reign of the Manikya kings (15th century)

Risa Varieties and Designs

• The GI tag recognizes the uniqueness and cultural heritage of risa
• It provides legal protection against unauthorized use of the name and design
• The tag will help preserve the traditional weaving practices and support local artisans
• It may also boost the market value of risa and create new economic opportunities for the tribes

Challenges in Preserving Risa Weaving

• Declining interest among younger generations in learning traditional weaving techniques
• Competition from machine-made fabrics and changing fashion preferences
• Lack of organized marketing and promotion efforts for handwoven risa
• Limited access to quality raw materials and modern weaving equipment

Initiatives to Promote Risa

• Government schemes to support and train risa weavers
• Establishment of weaver cooperatives and societies
• Promotion of risa through handicraft exhibitions and online platforms
• Inclusion of risa weaving in skill development programs for rural youth

The GI tag for risa is a significant milestone in recognizing and preserving Tripura’s rich tribal heritage. It will provide legal protection, boost the market value, and support local artisans. Efforts must be made to address the challenges faced by risa weavers and promote this unique craft. Risa serves as a symbol of Tripura’s cultural diversity and a testament to the skill of its indigenous weavers.

• The GI tag application for risa was filed by the Tripura Government’s Department of Industries and Commerce in 2020.
• The GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry on March 2, 2023.
• The GI tag will be valid for a period of 10 years from the date of registration.
• The GI tag will help prevent misuse, imitation, and counterfeiting of the risa design and name.
• Risa is predominantly woven by women of the Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia, and Noatia tribes.
• The traditional handloom used for weaving risa is called a ‘takli’ or ‘tukuri’.
• The main raw materials used for weaving risa are cotton and acrylic yarns.
• The designs and patterns on risa are inspired by nature, folklore, and tribal motifs.
• Some common motifs used in risa include flowers, leaves, birds, and geometric patterns.
• The colors used in risa have symbolic meanings, with red symbolizing bravery and black representing power.
• Risa is not only a garment but also a symbol of social status and cultural identity for Tripura’s tribes.
• The GI tag for risa is expected to generate new employment opportunities and attract investments in the state’s handloom sector.
• Tripura’s government plans to set up a risa cluster to provide infrastructure support and market linkages for weavers.
• The government also aims to establish a risa museum to showcase the history and diversity of this traditional craft.
• Risa has been a part of Tripura’s cultural heritage for centuries and continues to be an integral part of tribal life in the state.

The GI tag for risa is a significant step towards preserving and promoting this unique aspect of Tripura’s cultural heritage while providing economic benefits to the tribal communities involved in its production.