ETHNIC GROUPS OF BANGLADESH AND THEIR COLOURFUL CULTURE

Different ethnic groups of Bangladesh and their colourful lifestyle have significantly enriched the entire culture of Bangladesh. For centuries, Bangladesh had been the dwelling place of different ethnic groups. In fact, 35 smaller groups of indigenous people covering about two percent of the total population have been living in different pockets of hilly zones and some areas of the plane lands of the country. Their historic background, economic activities, social structure, religious beliefs and festivals make them distinctive.

The beauty of hilly zones as well as the plain areas has been enhanced by the colourful culture and traditional practice of different ethnic groups, like the Mandi and Hajong in the northern part ,the Manipuri and Khasia in the northest, the Chakma, Tripura, Marma, Rakhin, Mru, Tanchyanga, Murong in the eastern and southeastern parts and the Santal and Rajbangshi in the western part of the country.

Almost all tribal languages have rich folk literatures, consists of poems, songs, fairly tales and legends relating to their past nomadic life. There are plenty of narratives, similar to the Maimensingha Gitika, in the Mogh, chakma, Khasia and Garo languages. The folk tales of the tribal languages have similarities with those in Bangla. The ballads in some of the languages of the Himalayan foothills are similar to those in Bangla folk literature. Their linguistic aspects are similar to those of early Bangla. The rhymes in Bangla and the tribal languages are similar in subject, rhythm and vocabulary.

The people of different tribes have been using musical instruments fromtime immemorial. These instruments are all closely linked with their feelings and emotions, lifestyle, economy and, above all, their philosophy and earthly and spiritual aspirations. Tribal dances are based on the customs and beliefs of the tribal people. Tribal dance evolved through the experience of the aborigines.

They had to fight ferocious, beats of the jungle and hunt animals and birds for food. Before going out for a hunt, hunters would draw pictures of their prey and dance in a body, imitating a hunt. People danced to placate or defeat evil sprits, to prevent decay and disease, to cause rainfall to help the production of crops, or to prevent drought or famine.