Lawngtlai, April 17: The Chakma community of Mizoram celebrated the 4th State-Level Bizu Miloni (Bizu Festival) at Longpuighat in the Chakma Autonomous District Council area from April 13 to 15, 2026.
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| Artists perform a traditional cultural dance during the 4th State-Level Bizu Miloni festival at Longpuighat, celebrating the rich heritage of the Chakma community in Mizoram. |
The three-day cultural festival featured traditional observances including Phool Bizu, Mul Bizu and Gossay Possay Bizu, marking the Chakma New Year according to the traditional calendar. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Chakma community through various rituals, cultural activities and community gatherings.
The inaugural function was graced by Dr. Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah, MLA and Adviser to the Chief Minister of Mizoram, as the Chief Guest. Dangubi Prova Chakma, MLA, attended the programme as the Chief Guest on the second day, while Dr. Rasik Mohan Chakma, MLA and Chairman of the 4th State-Level Bizu Miloni, attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest.
Bizu, the most significant cultural festival of the Chakma community, is celebrated annually in April and symbolises the transition from the old year to the New Year. The festival includes traditional activities such as cleaning houses and villages, preparing traditional cuisine, playing cultural games, and community gatherings.
Ritual practices such as offering flowers to rivers, lighting candles, visiting temples and offering prayers for peace, prosperity and well-being also form an integral part of the celebrations. The festival also highlights the values of respect and care for elders, with youths symbolically bathing elderly persons as a mark of honour and gratitude.
In Mizoram, the institutional celebration of Bizu at the state level began with the 1st State-Level Bizu Miloni held at Rajivnagar in Mamit District, aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Chakma community.
The programme was organised by the 4th Mizoram State-Level Bizu Miloni Organising Committee, Longpuighat.
