Hills abuzz as ethnic communities begin year-end and new-year festivities
The lush hills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts have come alive with joy, colour, and tradition as ethnic communities usher in their traditional year-ending and new year celebrations through vibrant festivities.
This three-day-long festival, observed by the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, and Ahom communities, began with a symbolic flower-offering ritual at the scenic Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, and other waterbodies elsewhere.
Early Saturday morning, indigenous women were be seen gathering flowers from their gardens and making their way to the tranquil shores of Kaptai Lake. The ritual of offering flowers holds deep spiritual significance, symbolising a cleansing of the soul. It is accompanied by heartfelt prayers to wash away the misfortunes, sorrows, and failures of the past year while welcoming prosperity and hope for the new one.
The Rangamati Rajbari Ghat buzzed with energy as young men and women gathered under the initiative of the Baisabi Celebration Committee. The event was inaugurated by former MP Ushatan Talukder, alongside prominent figures such as former additional secretary Prakrit Ranjan Chakma, committee member-secretary Intu Moni Talukder, and other local leaders.
The Boisabi festivities are celebrated across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, marking the largest annual cultural events for the indigenous groups. Each community observes the festival with its unique traditions, yet the spirit of unity and celebration binds them together.
For the Chakma community, the days are known as Phool Bizu, Mul Bizu, and Nuoabzor or Gajya Pajya. Similarly, the Tripura community refers to the days as Hari Baisuk, Buisukma, and Bisu Katal, each day carrying its own rituals and significance.
Over the three days, the hills resonate with the sounds of traditional music, dance, and laughter. Colorful processions wind through the streets, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of these communities. Participants dress in traditional attire, proudly representing their identities and preserving their customs through vibrant parades and cultural performances.
Starting from early April, various programs are organized under the leadership of local celebration committees. These events not only bring communities together but also serve as a platform to showcase their traditions to the wider world.
From the serene banks of Kaptai Lake to the bustling streets of Rangamati, the Baisabi Festival is a testament to the resilience, unity, and cultural richness of the indigenous communities. As they celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another, the hills echo with their hopes, dreams, and unwavering spirit.
