Published: April 12, 2025, 05:20 PM
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 indigenous communities of the Chattogram Hill Tracts have ushered in their traditional new year celebrations with Fulbiju, a flower-floating ritual symbolizing the farewell to the old year and the welcoming of the new.
Early this morning, hundreds from the Chakma and Tanchangya communities gathered by the banks of the Sangu River in Bandarban to take part in the age-old ceremony. Participants floated flowers on the river, honoring the water as sacred and embracing the hope of new beginnings.
"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 festival participants.
Supriya Tanchangya, a local 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.”
The three-day festival includes Fulbiju on the first day, Mul Biju on the second, and Goijja Poijja on the third. Traditional games, cultural performances, and communal feasts — featuring the signature dish pachan, a mix of seasonal vegetables — will continue throughout the celebrations.
Rajumoy Tanchangya, a member of the Bandarban District Council and convener of the Tanchangya Central Bishu Festival Celebration Committee, shared that festivities would run throughout the day at Reicha High School ground with cultural events and discussion sessions.
Among the 11 indigenous communities in the region, most celebrate their own versions of the new year festival. The Chakma observe Biju, the Chak celebrate Sangrai, the Mro mark Changkran, while the Khumi and Khayang have similar rituals beginning on 13 April. Collectively, these celebrations are known as Boisabi.
The Marma community has also announced a nine-day Sangrai festival, which includes sports, cultural programmes, and religious rituals. A colourful Mangal Shobhajatra (auspicious procession) is scheduled for tomorrow, with a Buddha bathing ceremony set for 14 April.
From 15 to 18 April, Bandarban town’s Rajarmath will host daily events including folk sports, Maitri Pani Barshan (friendship water splashing), and cultural shows. Community leaders, public representatives, and government officials are expected to join the celebrations.
