The Chittagong Hill Tracts have taken on a vibrant hue as the local communities prepare for the New Year and year-end celebrations.
In Khagrachari a festive spirit prevails with traditional games cultural events and a surge in holiday shopping.
While the New Year officially begins on April 12, festivities are already in full swing. On Tuesday the Hill District Council organized a colorful procession featuring participants from various hill communities. Additionally a three-day celebration commenced at the Khagrachari Minority Cultural Institute featuring traditional "Dha" games Pajan (traditional vegetable dish) cooking competitions and Bain Bunon (waist-loom weaving) contests.
The festival collectively known as Baisabi (derived from Tripura’s Baisu Marma’s Sangrai and Chakma’s Biju) unites various ethnic groups. Other communities also celebrate under different names, such as Bihu for the Tanchangyas and Changkran for the Mro and Khumi people.
Khagrachari’s markets including the popular "New Zealand" field fair are teeming with shoppers. Local fabric stores report high demand for cotton, net, and linen with prices ranging from 60 BDT to 1,800 BDT per yard. Ready-made and unstitched three-piece suits are also moving fast priced between 400 BDT and 11,000 BDT.
Groups of young people are often seen purchasing matching outfits. Tutuma Marma shopping in Pankhaiyapara noted that her group of 21 friends bought identical fabric to sew traditional Thamis for the Sangrai festival. Similarly groups of young men were spotted buying matching red and white T-shirts for the traditional flower-floating ceremony.
