The mission of the Young Bru Association (YBA) is to empower the marginalized and underrepresented Bru (Reang) community by fostering social equity, education, and sustainable development. The organization is deeply committed to preserving the cultural heritage, traditions, and identity of the Bru people while ensuring the integration into broader societal frameworks. YBA works tirelessly to address challenges such as displacement, lack of access to quality education, and economic instability, striving to create opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
Through community-led initiatives, YBA promotes education, healthcare, and skill development, enabling individuals to achieve the potential and contribute meaningfully to society. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional values and modern aspirations by advocating for policy changes, raising awareness about the community's needs, and fostering partnerships with government and non-governmental organizations. The association also focuses on creating platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and unity, ensuring that the voice of the Bru community is heard and respected at regional, national, and global levels.
Hojagiri Dance as part of the Bru Tribes Cultural Dance
Hojagiri is a traditional and highly captivating folk dance performed by the Bru (Reang) tribe, primarily found in the northeastern states of India, including Tripura, Assam and Mizoram. It holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, reflecting the tribe's deep connection to it’s heritage and way of life. The dance is typically performed during the festival of Lakhmi Puja, a ritual dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and well-being.
Hojagiri is a unique blend of grace, balance, and rhythm, often performed by young women and girls of the tribe. Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, including a rignai (a handwoven wraparound cloth) and adorned with jewelry, the dancers showcase intricate movements while balancing various objects. A hallmark of the dance is the remarkable skill of balancing earthen pots, bottles, or lamps on their heads while standing or moving on an earthen pitcher. These feats of balance are accompanied by fluid body movements, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
The musical accompaniment for Hojagiri includes traditional instruments such as the khamb (a bamboo-made cylindrical drum), sumui (a flute), and cymbals, which provide a rhythmic backdrop to the dancers' graceful steps. The songs sung during the performance often narrate tales from the community's folklore, daily life, and the harmonious relationship with nature.
Hojagiri serves not just as an art form but also as a medium of storytelling and cultural preservation. It brings the community together, reinforcing their collective identity and pride in their traditions. Hojagiri is recognized as a symbol of the Bru tribe's rich cultural heritage, drawing attention to it’s artistic ingenuity and cultural resilience. The dance has also gained prominence on larger platforms, showcasing the tribe's distinct traditions to wider audiences, while preserving its essence for future generations.