Heading to 'Baisabi'

The Chittagong Hill Tracts is all set to welcome the Bangla New Year with the three-day "Baisabi Fest"-the biggest social celebration of the indigenous communities.
Indigenous students residing in Dhaka are going back home to be a part of the celebration.
Sulav Chakma, a law student of Dhaka University, talked about the origin of "Baisabi". He said the three major communities - Chakmas, Marmas and Tripuras - have different names for this festival. Chakmas call it "Biju", Marmas "Shangrai", and Tripuras call it "Baisuk". The acronym "Baisabi" stands for Baisu-Sangrai-Biju.
Mankumari, a social science student of Jagannath University, has purchased the train ticket to Khagrachhari long ago. "The moment my exams are over, I'll be on my way to Khagrachhari," she said.
Envil Chakma is packing up his bags for the fest as well. "We call last two days of Chaitra "Phool Biju" and "Mul Biju". We celebrate "Phool biju" by decorating our houses with flowers," he said.
The first day of Baisakh is called "Gojyo Pojya Din," he added.
Moon Tripura, a student of Daffodil International University, has made her plans about Baisabi as well. "I will wake up early, clean the house and yards, decorate the house will flowers. The rest of the day is saved for hanging out with friends," she said.
Those who will not be able to make it to the fest because of examinations and other commitments will celebrate here in Dhaka with the spirit of Baisabi.
"Although I cannot go home, I have bought new attires and made plans to hang out with my friends," said Sajang Chakma, an HSC examinee from Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public College.