Bizu

Bizu is the most important festival of the Chakma people. It marks the eve of the new year.^[1] The festival is in the month of April. This is the time when families reunite for some important rituals and religious ceremonies. There are three main days but it actually lasts for an entire week because of the various rituals.

Phul Bizu

Phul Bizu meaning "The Bizu of Flowers", this day is celebrated one day before the new year eve. On this occasion, the Chakmas start with a bath early in the morning. Children and young adults go out and bathing the elders and seeking their blessings. The people attend prayers and offer flowers to the rivers and other water bodies to as a mark of respect and its importance in their daily lives. Preparation for the next day is carried out on this day.

Mul Bizu

"Mul Bizu" is the main day of the festival. On this special occasion the Chakma people dress up in their traditional outfits often new ones and visit other houses and eat "Pajon Ton" a delicious vegetable curry of 7 or more vegetables, herbs, and roots. It is spicy and healthy.

Dresses

The Chakma people wear special and new dresses for the occasion. Women wear "pinon" and "Haadi" while men wear "silum" and "dhudi".

Pajon Ton

The Chakma people make a special curry called Pajon Ton which they serve to their guests. It has to have at least seven vegetables.

Gojya Pojya Din

This is the Chakma new year day.

References

1. "Bizumela: Bizu 2011". Retrieved 23 August 2013.