, April 12 -- The largest traditional festivals of Chakma and Tanchangya communites have begun in Bandarban with the ceremonial offering of flowers in a river to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.

The festivals formally started on Sunday morning as young men and women from the communities gathered at the Sangu River and floated flowers on the water.

Participants from different villages came together for the ritual, symbolically washing away past sorrows and welcoming the new year.

Children, men and women of both communities dressed in traditional attire offered flowers and prayers to the water deity, seeking blessings for peace, happiness and prosperity in the coming year while letting go of past hardships.

Bandarba...