Indigenous festival 'Pushra' was celebrated with rich culture and traditions of the community through discussions, dance, music, and worship ceremonies at Chatmohar upazila in Pabna district.
This day-long event, organized by the Upazila Indigenous Council and an NGO Manob Mukti Sangstha, the festival commenced on Tuesday at 11 AM.
Meghnad Mahato inaugurated the festival as the chief guest, while Corn Murari, president of the Upazila Indigenous Council, presided over the discussion session.
Other notable speakers included Bidyut Dey, the council's general secretary; Anwar Hossain, headmaster of Bri-Rainagar Government Primary School; and Manob Mukti Sangstha officials Mosharraf Hossain and Sakhawat Hossain.
During the event, several outstanding indigenous students and a distinguished mother were honored with crests. The festival featured indigenous dance, songs, jhumur dance, patriotic music, traditional plays, and the Karom Puja, transforming the occasion into a joyous reunion for the community.
Local student Sugandha Mahato expressed her gratitude for the event, stating, "We, the younger generation, are unaware of our cultural festivals. Financial constraints have made it difficult for our people to organize such events. With continued support, we can preserve our traditions."
Elderly participant Promila Rani Mahato shared the festival's historical significance: "This festival, named Pushra, is held during the Poush month. It has been years since we celebrated it and this revival brings us immense joy. Annual celebrations like this would be wonderful."
Community leader Kashu Chandra Singh remarked, "Our children know nothing about our traditional practices, and we as parents struggle to pass them on due to daily survival challenges. We are grateful to Manob Mukti Sangstha for standing by us and organizing this event."
Mosharraf Hossain, project officer of Manob Mukti Sangstha, said, "Our project under the Civic Space Expansion and Governance Strengthening initiative aims to uplift the indigenous community through livelihood training and cultural preservation."
