Khagrachari, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Apr (V7N)–  The vibrant 'Vaisabi' festival, a significant social celebration for the hill people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, commences on Saturday, April 12th, with a palpable festive atmosphere already sweeping through the region. Traditional sports and cultural performances are being held in various neighborhoods in anticipation of the main events.

"The Baisabi festival, the main social festival of the hill people of the hilly region, will begin from April 12. Before that, the festive atmosphere has spread everywhere. Traditional sports and cultural performances are being held in various neighborhoods and neighborhoods," reported Biplob Talukder, Khagrachari Correspondent.

The festival is observed under the unified name 'Baisabi' through the joint efforts of various organizations representing the three major communities residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including Khagrachhari. The Tripura community celebrates it as 'Baisu', the Marma community as 'Shangrai', and the Chakma community as 'Biju'. The name 'Baisabi' is an amalgamation of the initial syllables of these three indigenous terms.

"'Baisabi' is named after the first letter of the names of the three communities' own languages," the report clarified.

The 'Boisabi' festivities began at dawn on Saturday with the traditional offering of flowers to Goddess Ganga in the Chengi, Feni, and Maini rivers in Khagrachhari. The riverbanks are expected to become a focal point for thousands of young people participating in the flower processions throughout Saturday morning.

"'Boisabi', the traditional social and life festival of the hill people, has begun with the offering of flowers to Goddess Ganga in the Chengi, Feni and Maini rivers as soon as dawn breaks in Khagrachhari. The banks of the river will turn into a gathering of thousands of young people from Saturday morning, centered on the flower procession," Talukder detailed.

Young men, women, teenagers, and children from the hill communities gather to offer flowers to Goddess Ganga in rivers and canals, symbolizing the washing away of the old year's impurities and seeking purity and well wishes for the new year. Additionally, homes will be adorned with garlands of flowers placed at their entrances.

"Young men and women, teenagers, and young boys and girls from the hill communities gather and offer flowers to Goddess Ganga in rivers and canals, washing away the impurities of the old year and seeking their purity with the best wishes for the new year. In addition, garlands of flowers will be placed between the doors of each house and decorated," the report elaborated.

The Chakma community is observing 'Phul Biju' (Flower Biju) on Saturday, followed by 'Mool Biju' (Main Biju) on Sunday, and 'Gajapayya' or Pohela Baishakh (Bengali New Year) on the subsequent Sunday. During this period, traditional hospitality will be extended to guests visiting homes. Simultaneously, the Tripura community will celebrate 'Hariboisu', 'Bizuma', and 'Bichikatal' on Sunday, corresponding to 'Phul Biju', 'Mool Biju', and 'Bichikatal' with their unique customs.

"The Chakma community is celebrating Phul Biju on Saturday. They will celebrate Mool Biju on Sunday and the following Sunday, Pohela Baishakh or Gajapayya. During this time, guests will be entertained from house to house. At the same time, the Tripura community will celebrate Hariboisu, Bizuma and Bichikatal festivals on Sunday with their own special features called Phul Biju, Mool Biju and Bichikatal," Talukder explained.

On Monday, the Marma community will participate in a traditional water festival and a New Year's rally organized by the district administration as part of their 'Sangraing' festival in Khagrachhari. These events contribute to the overall joyful atmosphere of 'Vaisabi'.

"On Monday, the Marma community will hold a traditional water festival and a New Year's rally organized by the district administration at the Sangraing festival in Khagrachhari. These festivals spread an atmosphere of joy," the report noted.

People from other communities are expected to join the Chakma community in offering flowers at the Chengi River, symbolizing unity and shared celebration. The 'Vaisabi' festival also attracts numerous tourists eager to witness the unique cultural traditions of the region.

"People from other communities will join the Chakma community in offering flowers at the Chengi River. Many tourists also come to see the Baisabi festival," Talukder added.

In addition to the Chakma, Tripura, and Marma communities, 13 other smaller ethnic groups, including Tanchangya, Bam, Khiang, Lusai, Pankhoya, Mro, Khumi, Assam, Chak, and Rakhine, celebrate the 'Baisabi' festival annually, showcasing the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the region.

"In addition to the Chakma, Tripura, and Marma communities, 13 small ethnic groups, including Tanchangya, Bam, Khiang, Lusai, Pankhoya, Mro, Khumi, Assam, Chak, and Rakhine, celebrate the Baisabi festival every year from the last day of Chaitra to diversify their language, culture, and location," the report detailed.

There is a widespread hope that the 'Vaisabi' festival will further strengthen the bonds of peace, harmony, and unity between the hill people and the Bengali community in the region.

"Everyone hopes that the Baisavi festival will further strengthen peace, harmony, and unity between the hill people and the Bengalis," Talukder concluded.

The commencement of the 'Vaisabi' festival marks a time of cultural celebration and renewal in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, highlighting the traditions and unity of its diverse communities.

END/BTK/RH/