Boisabi is not merely a word or phrase; it is a glorification of various traditional and cultural festivals of the indigenous communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts where they live with their exuberant ethnicity, a heritage of our country.

The word is the amalgamation of the Bengali acronyms of the words for the festivals-- namely Boishu of the Tripuras, Sangrai of the Marmas, Sankran of the Mros, Sangran of the Kyangs, Sankrai of the Khumis,  Bizu of the Chakmas, and Bishu of the Tanchangyas.

The indigenous people of the area are now busy with shopping for their traditional attire, preparing food, cleaning their houses, and inviting relatives and friends from in and outside of the hills to their biggest festival.

Ma Mya Ching Marma of Madhyam para of Bandarban, who studies in Dhaka, said “I came home two days ago to celebrate Sangrai festival with my family and friends and hope to enjoy our traditional festival like every year.”

Burmese markets, dressmaking shops, and Marma Bazar in Bandarban were found crowded by hill people who came to buy their traditional food items, and clothes.

Ranagamati Chakma Bazar, Bain Textile, Nakshi Textile, Banalata Textile, Banani Textile, Tantuj Textile, and Craft & Fashion Textile, among others, were found to spend busy time selling their traditional products.

Different government and non-government organisations and local clubs have already chalked out various programmes including traditional sports competitions and fairs in the three districts to mark the occasion.

On the occasion, Utsab Udjapan Committee in Bandarban has organised a five-day programme at Bandarban town which will begin at 9am on April 12 with the performing of Mongol Shobhajatra and art competition.

On April 13, Buddhist devotees of the district will deliver 'Chhoaing' (food) to the venerable monks. Thousands of Buddhist devotees from three hill districts and also plain districts will gather in the associated programmes.

On April 14, Pitha Utsab (festival of traditional cakes) will take place at night at Madhyam para and Ujanipara in the town. On April 15 and 16, a cultural programme featuring 'Maitree Pani Barshan' or showering each other with be held at Puraton Razar Math at 4pm in the town. Besides, traditional sports like tachhi khela and boli khela (a form of wrestling) will be held.

People of Mro community in Bandarban are also preparing to celebrate their traditional 'Sankran Poi' festival at Sakhoy para and remote Ruifu Mro para where thousands of Mro people gather every year to mark this special day.

The traditional 'Flute Dance' of Mro indigenous community is notable, among the various programmes on this occasion. The Tanchangya and Chakma community people of Chittagong Hill Tracts also arrange their traditional 'Ghila Khela' programme to celebrate this day.

The three hill district councils, district administrations and various socio-cultural organisations will bring colourful rallies to mark the Boisabi festival.

Although traditionally Boisabi is a cultural and religious festival of the indigenous people in Chittagong Hill Tracts; it is now enjoyed by the Bangalees as well.