AGARTALA, Jan 1 (TIWN): Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Friday inaugurated the new building of the Purbasha emporium at THHDC complex.

It is to be mentioned here that the building underwent renovation and the new emporium building was inaugurated by CM Manik Sarkar and an urban haat was kicked off in the premises of the building.

Inaugurating the new building of the Purbaha emporium CM Manik Sarkar said Tripura is known for its handloom and handicrafts products. Cane and Bamboo craft are the main crafts of Tripura. Ethnic groups in Tripura make wide variety of handicraft products using bamboo and cane. Cane and Bamboo occupy a distinctive place in the life of Tripura. Wide variety of wonderful objects is made out of the Cane and Bamboo.

Handloom is the oldest industry in the State and the tribal people produce their own clothes with elegant designs, unique colour combinations and lasting texture. The traditional items produced include Risa and Riha.

People in this region look to weaving as inseparable part of life. The industry has passed on from generation to generation. The tribal women of Tripura religiously devoted to weaving. The beginning of ritual has always been with the offering of flowers and beautiful piece of Riha and Risa given as a tradition.

Both Commercial looms and Non-commercial looms operate in the State. Non-commercial looms are operated by the tribal inhabitants of the state. They weave fabrics for their own consumption whereas the commercial looms are controlled by the Bengalis as well as Manipuri weavers. So the Handloom Industry of Tripura is the reflection of Tribals, Manipuri and Bengalies.

However, the inauguration program was also attended by AMC Mayor Prafullajit Sinha, Chief Secretary Industry and commerce M.Nagaraju, Minister Tapan Chakraborty along with other dignitaries remained present in the program.