Rajpunyah

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Rajpunyah is a major festival in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh where tribal people pay taxes to their kings. It used to be held every year, but now it happens roughly every five or six years, followed by a three-day fair. The festival began during British rule, with the Bohmong kings starting tax collection in 1875. After the 14th Bohmong King Manshaiprue Chowdhury died in the 1990s, Rajpunyah did not take place for two years. It is known as Poingjara Powaye by many local communities. The Chakma Circle holds Rajpunyah in Rangamati, and the Bohmong Circle in Bandarban. At the ceremony, the king sits on a throne and the headmen offer tribute and pledge loyalty, then the king addresses the people and gives rewards. People bring taxes and gifts, and the entire courtyard becomes a festive gathering with tribal and Bengali people. The festival draws thousands of visitors and fills hotels. The fair features circus, puppet shows, local music and dance, theatre, and many shops.