A morning of flowers, faith and new beginnings
As dawn breaks over the hills, the rivers of Bandarban and Khagrachhari come alive with quiet rituals and colour.
Along the banks of the Sangu and the Chengi, young men and women gather with flowers in their hands. Dressed in pinon-hadi and traditional attire, they step into the morning with a shared purpose. One by one, they release the flowers into the flowing water, watching them drift away.
The ritual marks the beginning of Biju, Bishu and Sangrai, collectively known as Vaishabi. It is a moment of transition, where the old year is gently let go and the new one is welcomed with hope.
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Prayers are offered to Buddha and the water deity. In the soft light of the morning, voices remain low, almost in harmony with the sound of the river. The act of floating flowers becomes more than a tradition. It carries the weight of past sorrows and the wish for peace, happiness and prosperity.
Participants arrive from different villages, turning the riverbanks into a space of shared belonging. Children stand close to the water's edge, watching the flowers drift away, while elders observe in silence.
In Khagrachhari, the Chengi River reflects the same scene. The colours of flowers spread across the water, creating a moving canvas of faith and renewal. The air carries a quiet sense of joy as communities come together, united by ritual and memory.
With the morning unfolding, the celebrations are set to continue in the coming days. Yet in this first act by the riverside, everything feels still.
