The Celebration of the New Year among Chakma Communities

Written on 29 May 2026. Posted in Bangladesh

Author:
Sutrashi Rojeke Chakma is a young Indigenous person from Khagrachari, Bangladesh. Sutrashi has shared this story from the Chakma culture.  

The Bizu Festival, celebrated by the Chakma community, to welcome the new year, is typically observed from April 12 to April 14. This festival is rich with cultural practices, traditions, and rituals, symbolizing renewal, unity, and respect for nature.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
Originating from agricultural traditions linked to jhum cultivation (traditional farming method involves cutting down trees and plants, burning them and then using the cleared land for crops for a few years). It began as a way for the Chakma people to show their respect for the land and to pray for a successful harvest. People believed that celebrating the successful harvest and performing rituals would bring good fortune and a rich harvest in the coming year. Over time, Bizu has become more about community and cultural festival.

FUL BIZU 
12th of April is also called "Ful Bizu" where "Ful" means flower in Chakma language. So the day is referred to as the festival of flowers. On that day, the flowers blooming in the yard are open to everyone. This means that people of all ages can pick flowers without needing permission. After collecting the flowers, some are used to decorate the house and some are saved to be offered in the river. Early in the morning, people place flowers on banana leaves on small mounds of soil by water sources like rivers. In absence of a river close by, people offer flowers at any pond or lake near their houses. The act of offering flowers signifies letting go of old sadness, pain, and worries, symbolizing a fresh start for the year ahead. Lighting flammable bamboo lights are also seen but nowadays most people use candles instead of bamboo lamps. Ful Bizu stands out for its simple yet meaningful celebrations. It’s a day when the Chakma people honor nature and give thanks for its gifts. The colorful flowers everywhere symbolize their close bond with the natural world, filling the day with beauty and joy. 

MUL BIZU
The 13th of April is called "Mul Bizu" also known as "Main Bizu". It is considered as the heart of the festival. It is a day of sharing blessings and food with others, as well as solidifying social bonds. On this day, everyone is welcome in each other’s homes, and people, especially teens celebrate by visiting multiple households, even those of strangers. The hospitality shown on this day is a key part of Chakma culture. Families wake up early in the morning to prepare a variety of traditional and other dishes to welcome their guests. However, the "Main Bizu"/"Mul Bizu" is incomplete without the "Pajon" dish also called "Pajonton". "Pajon" is considered the main dish which incorporates at least 7 types of vegetables up to 20 or even higher and it is said the more vegetables are included the better it is. Some of the other traditional dishes are "bini hoga Pide" (made with sticky rice and coconut), "Bora Pide" (made with flour, sticky rice and coconut), "Hola pide" (made with banana and sticky rice), "Sanne Pide" (made with rice flour and date palm jaggery). 

Guests are also offered "Jogora" and "Hanji", traditional rice-based beers brewed at home. Young people gather in groups to tour as many homes as possible, adding excitement to the day. It is also said to be good luck if anybody could visit more than 7 households or families. In addition to traditional dishes, many local and Western snacks and drinks are also offered. 

"Mul Bizu" is not only about food, it highlights the values of kindness, respect, and hospitality, which are central to the culture. It is a day to appreciate the bonds between families, friends, neighbors, and even strangers, to start the new year with a positive outcome. 

GOJJE POJJE BIZU
The last day of the Bizu festival, called Gojje Pojjee Bizu, is the first day of the New Year. The name "Gojje Pojje" means "to roll down" or "to fall," symbolizing taking rest. On this day, Chakma families also show respect to their elders by bathing them and holding a special feast in their honor. Younger family members wash the feet of their parents, elders, and teachers, and ask for advice to help them in the coming year. Although this tradition is less commonly seen in urban areas, it remains an essential practice in many rural households. Even though, known as the Day of Rest, "Gotche Pojje" Bizu is also full of traditional sports and games. People of all ages enjoy activities like Geele Khela (a game played with a special seed, scientific name : Entada rheedii), Nading Khela (spinning tops), Baghatheng (bamboo stilt racing), archery, and Boli hela (wrestling games). These games have been a part of Chakma culture for generations. The day ends with a cultural program where traditional dances and songs are performed. Musicians play traditional instruments made from bamboo, like drums and flutes, filling with lively rhythms as everyone celebrates together. 

CONCLUSION
Even though Bizu officially ends after three days, most people celebrate it up to a week, by continuing to visit each other's houses in the same spirit as Mul Bizu. The Bizu Festival is more than just a New Year celebration for the Chakma people, it reflects their culture and values. Through its rituals, food and gatherings, it brings everyone together to share joy and tradition. As time changes, it's important to hold on to these customs to stay connected to cultural roots.

Tags: Youth, Cultural Integrity