Ethnic Groups of Bangladesh

Ethnic Groups of Bangladesh

There are many  different types of ethnic group in Bangladesh. They help to make our society very diverse. We can overview some ethnic groups are below:

1)      The Chakma: They are the largest ethnic group in Bangladesh. Majority people of Chakma are living in Rangamati & Khagrachari.  And religions of them are Buddhist. They have own language, alphabet and own culture. They ruled by a local king. Every villages have own chives. Their houses are made of bamboo, wood. Their agriculture is based on the “JHUM” method. Their main food is rice. The Chakma weave the cloths on looms. Man and boys wear “fatua” and “lungi” other side women wear “pinon” and “hadi”. The Chakma observed all the main Buddhist festivals. Specially  Buddha Pornima in the first month of Bangla year named “Baishakh”

Chakma House

Weaving

2)  The Marma: The 2^nd largest ethnic group after the chakma. They live in the Banderbans, Khagrachari and Rangamati. They eat rice, boiled vegetables and dried fish called “Nappi”. They are also plants by the “JHUM” method. In the past man wore “Thami” and woman wore “Angi” but they often wear modern dress as well. The Marma celebrate all the “Buddhist festivals. They also celebrate water festival”Shangrain” which is the 2^nd day of the bangla new year.

   

Shangrain Festival

3) The Saontal:  The Saontal are live in west side of Bangladesh specially Dinajpur, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Bogra. They have own language. They eat rice, fish meat and vegetables. Their especially “Nalita” or jute leaves as a native dish. Women wear “Panchi” and “Parhat” and men used to wear “Duthi” now days they wear “Lunghi” shirt. There are five Saontal  festivals around the year.  “Sohrai” festival is celebrated during the month of bangla Poush month, “Hariar Sim” giving an offering for the corps. During Vadro month. Dancing is the main occupation.

                                                           Saontal Dancing

4)      The Monipuri:  The Monipuri live mainly in Sylhet. They also live in Komolgonj, Moulovibazar and Manipur state of India. They have two own languages. Their houses made of bamboo, brick or tin. They eat rice, fish and vegetables. But do not eat meat.”Sincheda” is the favorite salad-dish. Women wear a “lahing”, an “Ahing” and a scarf. The man wears duthi and Panjabi. They have many festivals Rathajatra, Doljatra, Rash-Purnima etc.

Monipuri House

Monipuri dance

Ethnic Group in Bangladesh