The Chittagong Hill Tracts, home to diverse indigenous communities, are rich in distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. Among these communities, pinon hadi remains the main traditional dress worn by hill women. From religious and social ceremonies to major festivals such as Bizu, Baisu, Sangrai, and Bihu, pinon hadi is an essential part of cultural expression, symbolizing the identity of each community.
With changing times, demand for this handwoven garment has increased significantly. What was once limited to local use is now being sent to major cities, including Dhaka and Chattogram, and even international markets. Through the production and sale of pinon hadi, many indigenous women are achieving self-reliance while preserving their cultural heritage.
A pinon hadi market sits twice a week—on Saturdays and Wednesdays—at Banarupa in Rangamati town. On market days, women vendors from remote hill areas arrive early in the morning carrying pinon hadi in a wide array of colours, fabrics, and designs. The garments are sold both wholesale and retail, with rows of stalls showcasing intricately woven collections.
A visit to the market reveals that indigenous women themselves are the primary entrepreneurs in this trade. Prices for pinon hadi generally start at Tk 5,000 and can go up to Tk 15,000–20,000, depending on the quality of fabric and intricacy of design.
Buyers Shatabdi Chakma and Paheli Chakma, who travelled from Khagrachhari, said Banarupa Bazar remains their preferred destination. “We come here because we can buy good-quality pinon hadi at comparatively lower prices,” one of them said.
Vendor Tisha Chakma explained that pricing depends on craftsmanship and materials. “A pinon hadi usually sells for between Tk 5,000 and Tk 20,000, depending on the design and fabric quality,” she said.
Another vendor, Shyamoli Chakma, said skilled indigenous women artisans weave these clothes. “Sales are good. Many traders purchase in bulk and take them to Dhaka, Chattogram, and even to India and other countries. Demand is especially high in countries where Chakma communities reside,” she added.
Nirmala Chakma highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of the business. “By selling pinon hadi, we are becoming financially self-reliant and preserving our traditions. Demand peaks during Bizu, weddings, and social festivals. However, this business requires substantial capital, and we receive no government support or easy loans. We rely on our own savings or borrowed money,” she said.
Addressing the issue of financial assistance, Ismail Hossain, Assistant General Manager of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Rangamati, said the interest-free incentive loan scheme for small entrepreneurs is currently suspended. “As a result, we cannot provide loans directly. However, we can recommend entrepreneurs to Karmasangsthan Bank for loan facilities,” he said.
Despite financial constraints, the rising popularity of pinon hadi is creating new economic opportunities for indigenous women and helping sustain the cultural heritage of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
