”Bishu is a part of our identity and a representation of our diverse cultures“
TO SOME it is Sangrai, to some it is Biju, to some it is Baisu. As of Tanchangyas, we call it Bishu. But no matter by which name we call it, it is the biggest festival celebrated by the indigenous people in CHT to welcome the Bengali New Year. To us it is not only just a celebration but also a part of our identity and a representation of our diverse cultures.
Basically Bishu is celebrated on April 12, 13 and 14. Except April 14, the Bengali new year, there are no other government announced holidays for our Bishu and which is why for those who are living far from their home whether for job or education are unable to celebrate it with their family.
Due to my parent’s occupation and my education, I had to celebrate most of the Bishus of my childhood in Dhaka. I would wait like crazy for Bishu as my parents would buy me new cloths. The day of Bishu would start with waking up early in the morning and going to nearby Pagoda for new year prayer wearing new clothes.
After returning home from temple I would jump to eat delicious Pajon cooked by my mother. Then with my friends I would pay visit to my neighboring houses. There is a saying that if one doesn’t eat Pajon in at least in even a house, the Bishu won’t be fulfilled.
”Without enjoying pajon, there would not be fulfilled Bishu Celebration”
I won’t deny that fact that celebrating Bishu with my grandparents and relatives in our ancestral home is nowhere near celebrating it in Dhaka. But this year I am lucky enough to celebrate Bishu in my home with my family and relatives.
Tora Tanchangya from University of Dhaka expressed her opinion on Bishu in Tanchangya culture in 2019
http://www.newagebd.net/article/69903/celebrating-biju-baisu-sangrai
Tongchangya World 