It’s festival time in the hills

Rangamati, one of Bangladesh's most picturesque hill districts, has come alive with vibrant colours, music, and festivities as indigenous communities celebrate their biggest traditional festival marking the advent of the new year.

The Boisabi festival -- an umbrella term encompassing Biju, Sangrai, and Boisu, celebrated by the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura communities -- is observed across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, alongside other indigenous celebrations such as Bishu, Bihu, Sangkrain, Changkran, and Pata.

Together, they reflect the unity and cultural diversity of the hill communities.

The celebrations began in Rangamati town yesterday morning with a festive inauguration ceremony at the municipality, where Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Kajal Talukder released colourful balloons, officially launching the four-day festivities.

Indigenous artists from different ethnic groups -- including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, and Pangkhua -- performed traditional dances and songs, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.

A discussion followed under the slogan: "Let us strengthen our movement to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord to ensure the existence of indigenous Jumma people."

The event was chaired by Prakriti Ranjan Chakma, president of the Bangladesh Indigenous Forum (CHT) and convener of the celebration committee.

Chakma Circle Chief Barrister Devasish Roy attended as chief guest.

Speakers highlighted how these traditional festivals foster unity, joy, and cultural pride, transforming hill villages into vibrant hubs of celebration with sports, rituals, and communal gatherings.

Later in the morning, a colourful rally brought the town to life. Dressed in traditional attire, men, women, and children marched from Rangamati municipality to the District Shilpakala Academy, passing through Banarupa and other key areas.

The celebration committee has organised a four-day programme from April 9 to 12. Traditional Jumma sports will be held at Rangamati Mari Stadium on April 10, followed by Boli Khela (wrestling), poetry recitation, and cultural performances on April 11. The much-anticipated Fool Bihan (flower-floating ceremony), symbolising purity and renewal, will take place on April 12.

In the early hours of April 12, young Chakma men and women will gather at Dibachari spring in Dighinala to collect flowers for Phul Biju -- a cherished ritual that signifies cleansing and hope.

The Rangamati Hill District Council has also organised a week-long fair at the Cultural Institute of Ethnic Minorities from April 3 to 9.

The main Biju celebration will be held on April 13, while April 14 will mark Pahela Baishakh. On the same day, the Tripura community will observe Boisu, while the Marma community will host Panikhili -- a traditional water fight symbolising purification and happiness.