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Baisabi Festival in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

The Baisabi Festival is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant celebrations for the indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in southeastern Bangladesh. Celebrated every April, Baisabi marks the traditional New Year for several ethnic groups including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and others, each of whom adds their own unique customs to the festivities. The name “Baisabi” is a blend of Boisu (Tripura), Sangrai (Marma), and Biju (Chakma) —the names of the New Year festivals observed by each group. Timing and Significance Baisabi is typically celebrated from April 12 to 14 , aligning with the solar New Year observed in many parts of South and Southeast Asia. It coincides with Pahela Baishakh , the Bengali New Year, but Baisabi is distinct in its deep-rooted tribal heritage, spiritual traditions, and emphasis on harmony with nature. This festival not only ushers in a new year but also marks the end of the old agricultural cycle and the beginning of a new on...

The Origins and History of Valentine's Day

The History of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, has both ancient Roman and Christian origins. It is named after St. Valentine, a priest who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century AD. According to legend, Claudius banned marriages for young men, believing that single soldiers fought better. However, St. Valentine defied this order and secretly performed weddings for young couples. When discovered, he was arrested and later executed on February 14, around 270 AD.

Another story suggests that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and sent her a note signed "From your Valentine", an expression still used today.

Valentine’s Day also has connections to Lupercalia, a Roman fertility festival held in mid-February. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s feast day, reinforcing the association with love and romance.

By the Middle Ages, the idea of Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday grew, especially in England and France. The poet Geoffrey Chaucer linked the day to courtly love in the 14th century, and by the 18th century, people began exchanging love letters, flowers, and small gifts. In the 19th century, mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards became popular, paving the way for the modern commercial celebration.

Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide with romantic gestures, gifts, and expressions of love.

Buy your Valentine's Day gift from My Fashion World

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Baisabi Festival in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

The Baisabi Festival is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant celebrations for the indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in southeastern Bangladesh. Celebrated every April, Baisabi marks the traditional New Year for several ethnic groups including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and others, each of whom adds their own unique customs to the festivities. The name “Baisabi” is a blend of Boisu (Tripura), Sangrai (Marma), and Biju (Chakma) —the names of the New Year festivals observed by each group. Timing and Significance Baisabi is typically celebrated from April 12 to 14 , aligning with the solar New Year observed in many parts of South and Southeast Asia. It coincides with Pahela Baishakh , the Bengali New Year, but Baisabi is distinct in its deep-rooted tribal heritage, spiritual traditions, and emphasis on harmony with nature. This festival not only ushers in a new year but also marks the end of the old agricultural cycle and the beginning of a new on...

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