Welcoming new year, Boisabi festival begins in the hills with 'Fulbiju'
This morning (12 April), hundreds of people from the Chakma and Tanchangya communities gathered by the Sangu River in Bandarban to take part in the ritual
The various ethnic communities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts have begun their new year celebrations with Fulbiju, a flower-floating ritual that marks the start of the three-day Biju and Bishu festivals.
This morning (12 April), hundreds of people from the Chakma and Tanchangya communities gathered by the Sangu River in Bandarban to take part in the ritual.
Flowers were floated on the river as a symbolic gesture of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one.
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"Fulbiju means there is a spiritual belief associated with the river and water. Through this belief, we consider the river sacred," said Rieli Chakma, one of the participants.
Supriya Tanchangya, a resident of Balaghata, added, "We wash away our old sorrows and look forward to a new life. We want to move forward together, in peace and cooperation."
Rajumoy Tanchangya, a member of the Bandarban District Council and convener of the Tanchangya Central Bishu Festival Celebration Committee, said that new year celebrations would continue throughout the day with traditional games, cultural performances, and a discussion meeting at Reicha High School ground.
The Chakma and Tanchangya people celebrate Fulbiju on the first day, Mul Biju on the second, and Goijja Poijja on the third. A special dish called pachan, made with mixed vegetables, is served to guests during the festival.
Among the 11 indigenous groups in the region, all except the Bom, Pangkhoya, and Lusai communities observe new year festivities under various names.
The Chak celebrate Sangrai, the Mro observe Changkran, and the Khumi and Khayang also have their own versions starting on 13 April. The new year celebrations of various indigenous communities are also collectively known as Boisabi.
The Marma community has announced a nine-day Sangrai programme including sports, cultural events, and religious rituals.
A "Mangal Shobhajatra" will take place tomorrow, and a Buddha bathing ceremony is scheduled for 14 April.
From 15 to 18 April, daily events including folk sports, Maitri Pani Barshan (friendship water splashing), and cultural performances will be held at Rajarmath in Bandarban town.
Community leaders and government representatives are expected to attend the festivities.
