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Hozagiri dance
Hozagiri, one of the famous dances of Tripura, is performed on the occasion of Laxmi
Puja, held in the following full moon night of Durga Puja. Goddess Mailuma (Laxmi), the goddess of wealth, is worshipped with full reverence and devotion on this day, which falls on the 3rd day after
Dusshera.
Reang community which constitute the second biggest group among the tribal population of Tripura, performs the Hozagiri dance with elan. The dance is performed only by women in groups of 2, 4 or 6. Men participate in singing and playing instruments such as Sumui, Kham etc. Dancers enter with a lighted lamp balanced on a bottle on the head and carry plates with them. From the waist to the feet, the movements are in rhythmic fashion without disturbing the bottle and the lighted lamp. Movements of the upper body is restricted.
Laxmi Puja is held in April annually just before the site for the jhum cultivation is prepared. Reangs believe that the Goddess will bless them with plentiful crops if they please her with the singing and dancing.
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