Parbotto Lokojo Mela in Banderban

The scenic Bandarban hill tracts was the venue for the sixth “Cute-Channel i Parbotto Lokojo Mela” (Indigenous folk Festival) on January 7. The annual programme highlights the cultural diversity among indigenous tribes, promoting the value of unity within a nation. Present at the event were Managing Director of Channel i Faridur Reza Sagor, director of the channel Shykh Seraj, CHT district chairperson Kyaw Shwe Hla, district council member Lokkhipod Das and others. Farzana Brownia hosted the programme, which was telecast live on Channel i.

Sixteen indigenous groups including Chakma, Marma and Tripura participated in the programme. The fair had 40 stalls displaying various ornaments and hand-crafted items representing the traditional backgrounds of the indigenous peoples. A beauty pageant was also organised where Marma Ching Mou was crowned winner. She later participated in a dance number with actor Ferdous.