Photo: BSS

KHAGRACHHARI, April 9, 2026 (BSS) - The vibrant Baisabi festival has begun in the district, marking the farewell to the old year and the welcoming of the New Year with traditional festivities.

As part of the celebrations, the Tripura community organized a lively Baisu procession (Shobhajatra) and performed the traditional Gariya dance.

The programme kicked off this morning with a Gariya dance performance arranged by the Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan Sangsad in collaboration with the Tripura Student Forum.

Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Shefalika Tripura attended the event as the chief guest and officially inaugurated the festival.

In her speech, Shefalika Tripura emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving the lifestyle, agriculture, and cultural heritage of the hill people. She also urged all to work together to maintain harmony, development, and peace in the region.

She inaugurated the Baisu rally by releasing balloons. The procession began at the Town Hall ground, paraded through the main roads of the town, and concluded at the Government College ground. Members of the Tripura community from different professions enthusiastically participated in the colourful march.

Participants showcased traditional culture through Gariya dance performances and various displays celebrating Baisu and Chaitra Sankranti. Young people and children, dressed in traditional attire, added vibrancy and charm to the procession.

The event was chaired by Kamal Bikash Tripura, President of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan Sangsad.

Among others present were District BNP General Secretary MN Absar, District Council Member Jaya Tripura, and several distinguished guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Advocate Shubra Dev Tripura, convener of the organizing committee, said the festival aims to revive and promote the rich heritage of the Tripura people, including their language, music, and dance traditions.

He said such events not only strengthen cultural identity but also foster unity and harmony among different ethnic communities in the hill areas.

The Baisabi festival represents a collective celebration of three hill communities: the Biju festival of the Chakmas, the Sangrai festival of the Marmas, and the Baisu festival of the Tripuras.

The broader celebrations will officially begin on April 12, starting with the Chakma community’s traditional ritual of floating flowers in rivers. The Tripura community will also observe their three-day programme—Baisuma, Hari Baisuma, and Bisikatal Baisuma—alongside other ethnic groups.

The festival continues to serve as a powerful symbol of cultural unity and diversity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.