Agartala: Bamboo and cane artisans from Tripura have been commissioned to create invitation kits for the official Republic Day reception to be hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26, officials associated with the project said.
The work is being carried out under the supervision of Samir Jamatia, who has been appointed supervisor of the Bamboo Crafts Project supported by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. The initiative aims to showcase traditional bamboo and cane craft practices from Tripura at a national ceremonial event.
According to officials overseeing the project, the invitation kits will incorporate three traditional craft techniques practised by tribal artisan communities in the state. These include bamboo mat weaving inspired by the Twising-style basketry associated with the Jamatia community, loom-based bamboo mat weaving that integrates bamboo strips with thread, and decorative cane pendants made using locally sourced materials.
Artisans from four locations in Tripura are involved in different components of the work. Villagers from Bagabasa and Nunnachara are engaged in producing bamboo mats using traditional weaving methods, while artisans from Ranibazar in the Jirania area are preparing loom-based bamboo mats. Cane pendants are being crafted by artisans from Nandanagar.
Jamatia said the assignment offers grassroots artisans an opportunity to present their skills on a national platform and is expected to contribute to sustaining traditional craft practices by generating livelihood opportunities.
Officials associated with the Bamboo Crafts Project said the initiative aligns with efforts to preserve indigenous craft knowledge while integrating it with contemporary design applications through structured design intervention and supervised production.
The invitation kits are being prepared exclusively for guests attending the Republic Day reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the work is progressing as per schedule, officials said.
The Bamboo Crafts Project in Tripura is a community-based initiative supported by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, focusing on documentation, design development and livelihood support for bamboo and cane artisans across the State.