Satyaram Reang

Satyaram Reang, also known as Maitya Ram Reang, was a folk performer from Tripura known for his work for the Hojagiri dance and the folk songs of the Bru (Reang) people. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2021 in the field of art, from Tripura ^[1].

The Hojagiri dance

In Hojagiri, girls dance in groups of six, balancing earthen pitchers with bottles on their heads, flipping plates and spinning winnowing baskets on their fingertips to the rhythm of flute, drum and live song ^[2].

A life in song

Reang was born on 1 February 1943 in Dashami Reang Para, South Tripura ^[2]. He was a quick learner, but schools were too far away for him to get a formal education ^[2]. Growing up among the Bru, he loved music and dance, and began singing folk songs at 12, forming his own group ^[2].

He performed at his community’s festivals from childhood and became one of the finest exponents of Hojagiri and Bru song ^[2]. He trained many young people of his community, and with fellow musicians and dancers founded a cultural troupe ^[2]. With them he toured widely in India and performed in Russia and other countries ^[2]. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004 ^[2].

Satyaram Reang died at his home in Santirbazar in October 2023 ^[3].