The Risa and the Pachra-Rignai: Tripura's GI-tagged handloom textiles and the households behind them

Background

The Press Information Bureau records that Tripura has more than 1.3 lakh households involved in handloom work, and that the traditional Risa and the Tripura Pachra-Rignai have earned Geographical Indication tag status. The Tripura Risa Textile is rooted in the traditions of the Tripuri tribal communities and is woven on loin or backstrap looms, with weaving led particularly by the Killa Mahila Cluster Level Federation in Gomati district. The Risa is a customary handwoven cloth used as headgear, stole or upper garment for women and is offered as a token of respect to distinguished guests. The Tripura Pachra-Rignai Textile is woven across the tribal belts of Gomati, Unakoti, North, West, South, Sepahijala, Khowai and Dhalai districts.