The Chittagong Hill Tracts is the seat of Bangladesh’s rich and diverse culture. Hills, springs and green forests combine to create a wonderland of nature. Most of the total tribals of the country live here. They are generally comfortable identifying themselves as the Jumma community. Chakmaras have a special position among those tribals who speak different languages. Their various ceremonies and religious observances are many. However, they do not perform their traditional ceremonies during the rainy season.
It is celebrated on the 7th of every Bangla Ashad month. Rice with chicken and eggs is offered to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Wine, cooking and various food arrangements are held at home. If you want to finish a big household task like harvesting crops quickly, ask for help from others. This is called malayya-dagana or asking for tithes. When the work is done cooperatively, they must organize a big feast instead of their wages. There is no need to give a feast if you are unclean. After the delivery of the child, the relatives cook various things and give it to the mother. This practice is known as Bhatamja Dena. Do not hit the ground on this day. Due to this, the soil cannot be cut, and trees cannot be cut. They do not even pluck the fruits of the trees on this day. Rather spend the day colourfully in various festivals. They believe that the Lord will be merciful if they do not hit the ground on this day. It will give a better yield.
The Chakmaras mainly follow the Hinayana doctrine of Buddhism. There are also traces of an ancient scripture called the Aghartara, which is believed to contain as many as 28 sutras. Earlier, religious ceremonies were done through Luri or Buddhist monks. In modern times their influence has greatly diminished. Like Buddhism, religious festivals are also celebrated within them. Festivals such as Tashka Chibar Daan, Baisakhi Purnima, Maghi Purnima, Madhu Purnima, Wa Ghadana, Wa Bhavangana, Vyuh Chakra, Fanas Batti Udana, Cari Tana, Ahzar Batti Jalana, and Mahasangha Daan are particularly noteworthy. However, their beliefs are influenced by various deities and deities.
In some Chakma families towards remote rural areas, the idea of Hindu worship has penetrated. Among them, Bhatdya Puja, Thanmana Puja, Dharmakama, Maa Lakshmi Puja, Shiji Puja etc., were once prominent. However, they disappeared from the mainstream a long time ago.
Earlier, it was celebrated with great fanfare, but the charm of this festival is getting lost over time. Therefore, to present the traditional Ahlpalani festival day to the new generation, the cultural organization of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Zoom Aesthetics Council (JAC) organizes various programs, including cultural programs.