Bizu: A celebration of blooms, beginning, and bounty

Bizu stands as the vibrant heart of Chakma culture, heralding the arrival of a New Year at the close of the Bengali calendar during Chaitra Sankranti. Historically rooted in jhum cultivation and harvest prayers, this three-day celebration has evolved into a spirited social event. From the floral beauty of Phool Bizu to the festive gatherings and traditional dances of Mul Bizu, the festival culminates in the religious observances of Gojjepojje din. 

An essential part of the celebration is pajon, a traditional dish that embodies the spirit of hospitality among the hill communities. Served especially on the second day of Bizu, pajon is a rich medley of vegetables—often 30 to 40 varieties—without which the dish is considered incomplete. Remarkably, most of these ingredients, nearly 90 percent, are sourced from the wild, reflecting a deep connection between the indigenous people and their natural surroundings.

Together, these rituals and traditions make Bizu a seamless blend of ancient heritage and modern community joy, honouring the earth and new beginnings.