A colorful rally was organized in Khagrachari on the occasion of 'Boisabi'. Photo: BSS

KHAGRACHHARI, April 8, 2025 (BSS) - 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 Newzeland area.

Hundreds of enchanted hill people attended the rally. Their colorful dresses gave an extra ambience to the event.

This year the Boisabi Utsab will begin on April 12 and end on April 14. 

The word 'Boisabi' is a combination of Bengali acronyms for various ethnic festivals like 'Boishuk' of the Tripura community, 'Sangrai' of Marma, and 'Biju' of the Chakma community.

The first day of the three-day-long traditional event is known as 'Phul Biju'.

Chakma people call the first day 'Phul Biju', the second day 'Mul Biju', and the third day, which is also the first day of the Bengali New Year, as 'Gojyapojya Din'.

On the first day, people will float flowers on rivers and springs, and take baths, seeking blessings from the Mother Ganga for peace and prosperity.

The main festival is held on the second day, which is also 'Chaitra Sankranti'. On this day, people wear colorful dresses and cook special curries named 'Pachon' for guests.

The Marma community will celebrate 'Sangrai', also called 'Pani Khela' and 'Jolkeli' and Chakmas will celebrate 'Gojyapojya Din' on April 14.

The Tripura community will celebrate their 'Boisuk' festival at Garjantali Ghat of Kaptai Lake in the morning.

The Boisabi Utsab is celebrated in the Chattogram Hill Tracts since 1985.