As the new year dawns, the hills come alive with the vibrant melodies of Baisabi music, echoing throughout the hills to herald the arrival of fresh beginnings. Embracing their unique cultural heritage, the small ethnic groups of the hills have crafted elaborate celebrations to welcome the new year in their own distinct ways.

Known as Baisuk among the Tripuras, Sangrai among the Marmads, and Biju among the Chakmads, the New Year festival, collectively referred to as Vaisabi, encompasses a myriad of traditional ceremonies and rituals. In Bandarban, the festivities have commenced with great zeal and fervor.

At the break of dawn, members of the Chakma and Tanchangya communities gathered at the Sangu river ghat in Bandarban's Rawangchari station area to partake in the legendary Phul Biju ceremony. Floating flowers in the Sangu river, they offered prayers for the well-being of all nations and extended heartfelt wishes to people from all walks of life.

Clad in their traditional attire, Chakma-Tanchangya children, teenagers, and young adults participated in Phul Biju, symbolizing the washing away of sorrows and the welcoming of blessings in the new year.

The traditional Panjan Ton Ranna, a culinary extravaganza, took center stage in the Chakma Biju festival. With meticulous precision, Panjan, a dish comprising a variety of ingredients cooked in a large pot, was prepared, symbolizing hospitality and abundance. As per tradition, guests visiting hill houses on Biju day were treated to a sumptuous feast featuring Panjan and other traditional delicacies.

Meanwhile, the four-day Barpi Marmad Maha festival, Sangrai Poye, kicked off in Bandarban on April 13, featuring the iconic Jalkeli water shower. Scheduled festivities, including the Janoli festival at Rajar Ground, promise an immersive cultural experience for attendees.

In Khagachari, the Baisabi festival commenced with flower bijus, as locals bid farewell to the old year by adorning altars with flowers along the banks of rivers and canals. With prayers for a year of peace and prosperity, the Phul Biju festival captivated participants from diverse communities, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Bengali locals, alongside enthusiastic tourists.

However, amidst the jubilant celebrations, the recent bank robbery and manager abduction by the KNF have cast a shadow of concern over Ruma, Thanchi, and Rowangchari upazilas, dampening tourist influx this year. Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of the hill communities shines through as they embrace their cultural traditions and welcome the dawn of a new year with hope and unity.