Biju, celebrated on April 13 every year, is a colourful festival celebrated by the Chakma community in Tripura, marking the beginning of the New Year for them. The festival is celebrated over three days and is known by different names by the various communities celebrating it, such as Sangrai, Bishu, Baisu etc. People celebrating Biju bid farewell to the passing year and welcome the new year with pomp and show, with the hope that it will bring them good luck.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the special Biju dance, which is accompanied by the rhythms of traditional musical instruments such as percussion and flute, some of which are crafted out of bamboo.
Biju Festival 2024: Date
Biju falls on the last day of the Bengali calendar, and it will be celebrated on April 13, this year in Tripura. The first day of celebrations is called the Phool Biju, the second day is Mul Biju, and the third day is called Gotche Potche Biju. It will be a bank holiday in Agartala on April 13.
Biju Festival 2024: History
Biju is a celebration that celebrates the first harvest after the first rains of the agricultural season. It is time for farmers to express their gratitude for a rich harvest. It is also celebrated to appreciate and highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Chakma people.
Biju Festival 2024: Significance
The motive behind celebrating the festival is to generate awareness about the traditions and culture of the Chakma community among the young generation, according to Pradyot Chakma, the convener for the Biju community. Biju is also celebrated by other tribes and ethnic groups in Tripura such as Tripuris, Tangchangya, Marma, Mro, Khiyang, Khumi and Chak.
Biju Festival 2024: Celebrations and Rituals
- The festivities used to be celebrated for over a fortnight. However, with passing time, it is celebrated over three days, starting with Phool Biju. On this day, people especially clean their houses and decorate them with flowers. They also observe the day by offering floral tributes to the nearby rivers. Moreover, lamps are lit in Chakma households and Buddhist temples, with prayers being offered to the Buddha.
- The second day, called Mul Biju, is celebrated with traditional songs and dances. People prepare special delicacies and sweets for the occasion and spend the day paying visits to their friends and extended families. The day culminates with the popular Biju dance that ushers out the passing year and welcomes in the new year.
- The third and final day, called Gotche Potche Biju, is celebrated by honouring elders of the community with an elaborate feast, and marriage vows are renewed with their spouses.
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