The three-day second Harmony Festival opened in Moulvibazar’s Sreemangal on Friday, bringing together the culture, cuisine and handicrafts of 27 indigenous communities from Sylhet division under one roof amid the lush surroundings of a tea garden.

From the Khasia tradition of preparing paan to the intricate weaving of the Manipuri community, the Tripura waist loom, and dances by the Shabar and Munda communities, the festival showcased the region’s vibrant indigenous culture.

Partho Hajong, an indigenous resident of Harinchhara Tea Garden, said the festival gives indigenous communities a platform to share their stories and traditions.

“We have kept these crafts alive through generations. I hope this platform helps our children feel proud of their roots,” he added.

Rafi Ahmed, a visitor from Dhaka, said he came to Sreemangal for its tea gardens but discovered a different side of Bangladesh through the festival.

“Watching the Shabar and Munda dances, tasting food I had never heard of, and seeing Khasi paan preparation up close felt like 27 different worlds opening at once,” he said.

Local resident Kamal Hossain said, “Sreemangal feels alive this weekend -- with more visitors, more business, and more pride.”

The Tourism Board and Sreemangal upazila administration organised the festival for the first time in January.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam inaugurated the event, with the ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter in the chair.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Moulvibazar-3 and Moulvibazar-4 lawmakers M Naser Rahman and Md Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury also attended the event.