Tripura's Alpana Gram Faces Economic Slide as Tourism Dries Up

Agartala: Lankamura, a village near the Bangladesh border just kilometers from Agartala, is losing its luster. Known as Alpana Gram for its traditional mud wall paintings, the community now watches as its vibrant murals fade. The decline puts more than 150 local families, who rely on flower farming, vegetables, and small trade, at risk. The village gained fame in 2020 after a folk culture workshop organized by Sanskar Bharati Tripura and backed by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre.

Tourists once flocked to the area to view the heritage designs. Residents sold snacks and produce to these visitors, boosting local household incomes significantly. The annual three-day Pitha Puli festival during Makar Sankranti served as a major engine for this economic activity. Amrit Sarkar, a longtime resident, recalled the transformation: "Earlier, this area was known as Lankamura Kapali Para, but now people recognise it as Alpana Gram. Sanskar Bharati played an important role in creating this identity. People from different parts of the country and even abroad visited our village to see the artwork."

Visitor numbers have dropped sharply in recent years. Residents like Malati Kapali and Arati Sarkar report that the decrease in foot traffic has directly slashed their earnings. Villagers say the paintings represent their culture and survival. They are now pressing the government for immediate help to restore the site. They want to revive the tourism cycle and secure their financial future before the remaining colors disappear for good.