This year's Phool Biju and Bishu celebrations have begun at Dighinala Upazila of Khagrachhari District and Kaptai Upazila of Rangamati District on Sunday.
DIGHINALA, KHAGRACHHARI: The celebration of traditional Phool Biju of the Chakmas has begun by floating flowers in the Maini River in Dighinala Upazila of the district on Sunday morning. At that time, everyone wished for the well-being of the country and for the happiness and peace of its people.
People from different classes and professions dressed in traditional costumes gathered on the riverbanks to celebrate the festival.
Joint Secretary of the Biju Celebration Committee, Kabakhali Union Parishad Chairman Knowledge Chakma said, "Phool Biju is a symbol of our culture and tradition, people of all ages participate in it."
Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanzil Parvez said, "Biju is not just for Chakmas, it is a universal festival for all communities in the hills."
The main Biju festival will be celebrated on Monday. In addition, the Boisu festival of Tripura and the Sangrai festival of Marmas are starting.
KAPTAI, RANGAMATI: A colourful rally, flower floating in the river and a discussion meeting were held in Kaptai Upazila of the district to mark the Bishu festival of the Tanchangya community.
Jointly organised by the Bangladesh Tanchangya Kalyan Sangstha Kaptai Region Committee and Debatachhari Raisyabili Region, the rally started at 9:30 am on Sunday from the Kaptai Upazila Karnaphuli Stadium and ended at the Kaptai Upazila headquarters.
Before the rally, the men and women of the Tanchangya community, dressed in new clothes, started the day by floating flowers in the Karnaphuli River.
Later, Wagga UP Chairman Chiranjeet Tanchangya chaired a discussion meeting held on the Kaptai Upazila Officers Club premises and Bishu Udjapan Parishad Member Secretary Rupomoy Tanchangya moderated it. UNO Md Ruhul Amin spoke as the chief guest.
The UNO said, "People from all communities participated in today's Bishu festival. It is part of our tradition. This festival will reach the world court one day."
Officer-in-Charge of Kaptai Police Station Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan Rubel, former director of Bangladesh Bank Nirmal Chandra Tanchangya and Bangladesh Tanchangya Kalyan Sangstha Kaptai Regional Committee President Ajit Kumar Tanchangya also spoke.
