Ful Biju festivities

Amidst the picturesque Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region, a vibrant spectacle unfolded as Prokriti Ranjan Chakma, the President of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, inaugurated the exuberant Ful Biju festivities at the Rajbari ghat.

In every hilly enclave and amongst the indigenous communities of the CHT, a palpable sense of festivity fills the air, heralding the arrival of Biju, Boisu, Bishu, Bihu, Sangrai, and the Bengali New Year.

Across diverse ethnic groups, indigenous people bid farewell to the past year and embrace the New Bengali Year with fervent optimism, marked by an array of colorful celebrations.

This jubilant festival goes by various names among different ethnicities. The Chakma people refer to it as Bizu, the Tanchangya community celebrates Bishu, the Tripura ethnic group observes Boisu, and the Marma community calls it Sangrai.

For the Chakmas, the festivities commence with Ful Biju. On this auspicious day, the Chakma people rise early, meticulously clean their homes, adorn them with vibrant flowers, and release floral offerings into rivers, canals, and springs to seek blessings from the deity of peace and prosperity. As the evening descends, they gather in Buddhist temples to illuminate the surroundings with the soft glow of candles.

The second day is known as Mulbiju, a day when they prepare a special delicacy called “Pajon.” This dish is crafted from an assortment of ingredients foraged from the bountiful jungles. The final day, known as “Goijja Pojjya Din,” is a time for repose and visits to monasteries to offer prayers for a year filled with happiness.

Throughout this jubilant festival, various ethnic events take center stage, featuring captivating performances such as Chakma dances, Marma Chata Nach, Pani Khela, and Tripura Goraiya dances, each a testament to the distinctive cultural tapestry of these communities.

Among the Marma community, a highlight of the season is the Water Festival, an immensely popular event that unfolds at the Narikel Bagan area of Rangamati town on April 18th.

Reference & Source: The Daily Star