Purbasa

Purbasa in Agartala (celebrated across Northeast India as the premier government state handicrafts and handloom emporium of the Tripura Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation / THHDC, positioned in the bustling commercial heart of Agartala near VIP Road and Radhanagar, world famous for its authentic repository of Tripura's GI tagged bamboo and cane crafts, including split bamboo screens / mats, finely woven cane furniture, exquisite tribal Rignai and Risa handloom textiles, carved wooden lamps, dokra brass figurines, and eco friendly home decor handcrafted by master indigenous tribal artisans), located on VIP Road in Agartala in Tripura, stands as the state's foremost cultural shopping and handicraft showcase destination.

Established by the Government of Tripura to preserve, promote, and market the centuries old cottage crafts of 19 indigenous tribal communities, Purbasa is a certified fair trade retail bridge directly connecting rural artisans from Dhalai, Khowai, and Gomati districts with art collectors and travelers worldwide.

It's the home of the world renowned Tripura bamboo lampshades woven so delicately they filter ambient light into warm amber geometric patterns, the multi colored tribal Rignai wrap around skirts and handwoven Risa scarves decorated with traditional floral motifs, the polished bamboo tea sets, fruit baskets, and executive desk organizers treated against wood borers, the life sized cane rocking chairs and decorative wall hangings, and an intensely pleasant, well organized shopping atmosphere where every handcrafted piece carries authentic government certification and fair trade pricing.

It represents a rich Tripura tribal handloom heritage, sustainable bamboo ecology, and indigenous cottage industry excellence where cane furniture, tribal wefts, government certification, and Agartala cultural tourism unite in Purbasa.

Located centrally on VIP Road (officially Mahatma Gandhi Marg / Kunjaban area) in Agartala, Purbasa sits just 2 km north of the iconic Ujjayanta Palace, 4 km from Agartala Railway Station (AGTL), and 9 km from Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA), easily accessible by auto rickshaw, e rickshaw (tom tom), or city taxi.

Master Bamboo & Cane Craftsmanship

Tripura is home to over 21 species of bamboo, and the master weavers whose works are showcased at Purbasa transform raw culms into hair thin pliable splints for weaving.

From intricately patterned bamboo floor mats to lightweight cane dining sets and carved wall panels, every item combines lightweight durability with natural elegance.

Truth is, feeling the velvet smooth texture of a hand polished Tripura bamboo pen stand or woven fruit tray makes you realize why the state's artisans lead the country in cane design.

Tribal Handlooms: Rignai & Risa Textiles

Traditional Rignai & Risa: The handloom section features authentic hand loomed textiles worn by Tripuri, Reang, and Jamatia tribal women, woven on traditional loin and frame looms.

Silk & Cotton Apparels: Purbasa also stocks fine Tripura Mulberry and Eri silk sarees, hand embroidered stoles, jackets, and table runners dyed using natural botanical pigments.

Agartala City Heritage & Shopping Circuit

The Agartala Day Circuit: Tour Ujjayanta Palace & State Museum (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) -> lunch in Battala -> visit Purbasa for authentic souvenir shopping (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM) -> evening walk around Heritage Park or Akhaura Integrated Check Post.

Fixed Fair Pricing: Unlike unregulated street markets, all handicrafts at Purbasa have government fixed price tags with cashless payment options and safe packaging for flight luggage.

After shopping for authentic handicrafts at Purbasa, explore Ujjayanta Palace, visit Neermahal, or tour Agartala.