The largest religious and social celebration of the indigenous communities in Rangamati, began on Sunday with offering flowers in Kaptai Lake.
The town is now vibrant with the colorful celebrations of Biju, Sangrai, Baisuk, Bishu, Bihu, Changkran, Changlan and Pata festivals, marking a joyful start to the seasonal festivities across the region.
From early morning, people of different indigenous groups across the district took part in the ritual, offering flowers in water bodies as a symbol of peace, prosperity and harmony.
At 7am, members of the Chakma community floated flowers at Rajban Bihar Ghat in the town under the initiative of the Biju, Sangrai and Baisuk Celebration Committee. Around 8am, the Tripura community launched their Baisuk festival in the Garjantali area with the same function.
Rangamati Hill District Council member Sagarika Roaja and Chief Executive Officer Khandaker Mohammad Rizaul Karim, among others, attended the function.
Sagarika Roaja said the festival is jointly celebrated by communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya and Ahamiya, promoting unity and harmony.
“Today is ‘Hari Baisuk’, when flowers are offered to Mother Ganga for the well-being of all,” she said.
Speakers at the programme said the centuries-old festival helps strengthen social bonds and encourages people to work together for collective welfare.
The Baisuk festival is observed over three days — the last two days of Chaitra and the first day of Baishakh. The first day, ‘Hari Baisuk’, features flower offerings; the second day, ‘Baisuma’, is the main celebration; and the third day, ‘Bisikatal’, marks the New Year.
Traditional attire, rituals, pitha and other foods are central to the celebrations, with active participation from the younger generation helping keep the tradition alive.
Tourists have also flocked to Rangamati to enjoy the programme. The main function will be held on Monday featuring community visits, traditional dishes like Panchan and cultural performances.