Srimangal (Moulvibazar) Correspondent //

A 3-day ‘Harmony Festival’ was organized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board in Srimangal, Moulvibazar, to develop the tourism industry and showcase the diverse culture and traditional food of different ethnic groups.

Principal Secretary of the Office of the Chief Adviser M Siraj Uddin Mia will inaugurate the ‘Harmony Festival’ at the Kakiachhara Government Primary School ground adjacent to the Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) on Friday at 3 pm.

Secretary of the Ministry of Private Aviation and Tourism Ms Nasreen Jahan will be present as the guest of honor at the event and Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber will preside over the event. Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner Md. Israel Hossain will also deliver the welcome speech at the event. Harmony Festival will feature cultural programs of various local ethnic groups as well as exhibitions of various materials and traditional delicacies of the region.

It is learned that the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the local upazila administration have already made extensive preparations to make this regionally-based ‘Harmony Festival’ fair a success. They are working with local tour operators and other concerned parties. This Harmony Festival, a blend of the colorful lives and cultures of ethnic groups, will run from 11 am to 8 pm on January 10, 11 and 12 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

Khasia, Garo, Manipuri, Tripura, Sabar, Kharia, Rikiasan, Baraik, Kanda, Rajbalbab, Bhuiyan, Santal, Orao, Gorait, Munda, Kurmi, Bhumij, Bunaraji, Lohar, Ganju, and Kara communities are participating in the festival. Meanwhile, the participants have started preparations to showcase their diverse cultural heritage in each area of ​​Srimangal and Kamalganj upazilas of Moulvibazar district.

Srimangal Upazila Executive Officer Md. Islam Uddin said that all the small ethnic groups living in Srimangal and adjacent areas will be brought to a platform through the festival. In addition, they will display and sell their products, food, lifestyle, clothing, etc. through 44 stalls at the fair. They will also perform on stage about their culture, dances, songs, and religious rituals.

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