Padma Shri awardee Satyaram Reang, a Hojagiri dancer, belongs to which state?

Explanation

Satyaram Reang (also known as Maitya Ram Reang) is a folk artist from Tripura who has devoted his life to the Hojagiri dance of the Reang (Bru) community. He received the Padma Shri in 2021 for his contribution to folk art.

Satyaram Reang has worked for decades to preserve, teach and promote Hojagiri. He has trained many young dancers, especially girls and women, formed dance troupes, and performed and presented the dance at national and international events. He has also worked to preserve the songs, music and instruments that go with the dance. His work has helped bring national recognition to the culture of the Reang community.

The Hojagiri dance is one of the most spectacular folk dances of India. It is performed by women and girls of the Reang community, while men sing and play the music. The dancers stand on earthen pitchers and balance several objects on their heads at the same time, such as a bottle, and a lit lamp or a plate on top of the bottle. They move the lower half of their bodies gracefully, swaying and turning, while keeping the upper body and the objects perfectly balanced. The dance is performed during the Hojagiri festival, held in the month of Ashwin (September and October), during the Lakshmi Puja that follows Durga Puja, to honour the goddess Mailuma, the goddess of wealth and the crops. The music is provided by the khamb (drum), the sumui (bamboo flute) and cymbals.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Mizoram also has a Reang (Bru) population, but the Hojagiri dance and Satyaram Reang are linked with Tripura.
• ✗Assam is known for Bihu, Sattriya and Bagurumba.
• ✗Manipur is known for Manipuri dance, Lai Haraoba and Thang-Ta.