Khagrachhari: A rally was brought out here in the district today, welcoming the 'Boisabi Utsab', the biggest cultural festival of hill communities. Led by Boisabi Utsab Udjapan Committee-2025 convener Robisangkar Talukdar and member secretary Prottoy Chakma, the rally began from Chengi Square in the morning and moved through different points before concluding in the Newzeland area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, hundreds of hill people attended the rally. The attendees wore colorful dresses, adding to the ambiance of the event. This year, Boisabi Utsab will commence on April 12 and conclude on April 14. The term 'Boisabi' combines Bengali acronyms for ethnic festivals like 'Boishuk' of the Tripura community, 'Sangrai' of Marma, and 'Biju' of the Chakma community.
The three-day traditional event starts with 'Phul Biju', as termed by the Chakma people, which involves floating flowers on rivers and springs and taking baths to seek blessings from Mother Ganga for peace and prosperity. The second day, also 'Chaitra Sankranti', is the main festival day when attendees don colorful dresses and prepare a special curry called 'Pachon' for guests.
On April 14, the Marma community will celebrate 'Sangrai', also known as 'Pani Khela' and 'Jolkeli', while the Chakmas will celebrate 'Gojyapojya Din'. The Tripura community will mark their 'Boisuk' festival at Garjantali Ghat of Kaptai Lake in the morning. Boisabi Utsab has been celebrated in the Chattogram Hill Tracts since 1985.