Biju: When and How the Chakmas Celebrate Their New Year Festival

 

One of the most important and traditional festivals of the Chakma ethnic group, residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, is Biju. It is essentially the New Year festival of the Chakma community, celebrated over the last three days of the Bengali month of Chaitra. The word Biju originates from the Chakma word “Bijhu,” which means "joy" or "festival". Biju is the most significant festival of the Chakma people and is celebrated over three days to welcome the New Year. It begins on the day of Chaitra Sankranti, the final day of the Bengali calendar.

In the past, it is believed that the Biju festival lasted for fifteen days, although nowadays it is limited to three days. Biju is a unique representation of nature, culture, and human unity, where people of all religions and backgrounds can participate. The Biju festival is deeply connected with the traditional Jum cultivation of the Chakma people. Initially, it was observed to pray for rain and fertile soil to yield good crops. However, over time, Biju has transformed from a farming-based observance into more of a social festival, and its formalities have become simpler.

Timing of the Biju Festival

The Biju festival is celebrated over three days- 12th, 13th, and 14th of Chaitra- each day having its own name and significance:

1. Flower Biju (12 April)

This day symbolizes purity and respect for the beauty of nature. Early in the morning, boys and girls collect flowers from rivers, springs, or hills, and use them to decorate their homes, places of worship, Buddha statues, and villages. During flower gathering, they sing songs and play games.

This is a form of nature worship and a call for new life.

Another aspect of Flower Biju is environmental cleanliness- on this day, houses are cleaned, and old items are thrown away.

2. Main Biju (13 April)

This is the main attraction of the Biju festival. It is primarily a day of family and social gathering.

Families prepare special traditional dishes, the most notable being "Pachan"- a delicious curry made with 10 to 15 types of vegetables, lentils, and spices, cooked in clay pots.

Relatives and neighbors visit each other’s homes to exchange greetings.

In many areas, religious prayers or Buddha worship are held.

There are cultural programs, including dance, music, and drama- especially group performances in traditional Chakma attire.

One of the highlights is the Biju Dance. Dancers perform in square or circular formations. A unique feature of this dance is the sudden pauses within the rhythm. It was once performed in temple courtyards as a religious offering, but today its simple rhythm and melody have made it increasingly popular. The Biju dance symbolizes bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.

3. Gojjya Pojjya Day (14 April)

Gojjya Pojjya means "Water Play". This is the final day of Biju and also the first day of the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh).

On this day, young men and women splash water on each other in playful celebration. This is an ancient form of well-wishing, symbolizing the washing away of sorrow and pain from the old year to welcome the new.

Some people wash the feet of elders and receive their blessings.

Riversides, streams, and waterfalls become centers of joy and festive gatherings.

Cultural and Social Importance of Biju

Biju is more than just a festival—it is a symbol of the cultural identity of the Chakma people. Through it, people from all levels of society come together, strengthening social bonds and passing traditions down through generations.

Biju reflects religious, social, and cultural unity.

It fosters a sense of heritage and values among the youth.

During this time, Chakma people wear their traditional attire—women wear Pinon-Khadi, and men wear Dhuti-Panjabi.

Universality and Modern Influence

Today, Biju is not confined to the Chakma community alone. It has merged with the New Year celebrations of other indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts—like the Marma (Sangrai) and Tripura (Boisu)—to form a more universal festival called "Boisabi".

The government and various organizations have now started to recognize this festival as a part of the national cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Biju festival is deeply rooted in the lives of the Chakma community—it's a celebration of humanity, nature, and culture. It’s not merely a joyful event but a moment to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. Biju teaches us about purity, empathy, togetherness, and the beauty of cultural heritage. This festival proudly represents one of Bangladesh’s rich multicultural traditions.