Banju Basa

This is the story of Banju Basha, where Banju means widow. It is a tale centered around her son, set during the time when the British colonized the region and Myanmar launched an attack. It is also the story of the Dijuwa people, who were deeply affected by these historical
events.
Every year, the British would take a few members from the Dijuwa community to carry their clothes, wealth, and weapons. One time, Banju's son was also taken. On one occasion, during the Busu Dima festival, a Dimasa celebration, the villagers built a Surem Busu with bamboo. This Surem Busu is a traditional welcoming gate. After constructing it, they celebrated Busu Dima. However, on the day of the festival, Banju’s son was unable to attend because he was caught up in the duties assigned by the British. But he was mentally distracted by the festive spirit. It was as if a part of his soul was left behind at the celebration. After much inner turmoil, he decided to abandon his work and return to the festival. As he traveled back, he faced severe weather conditions. His hand was injured, but he continued his journey, enduring the pain. The villagers were shocked to witness such a storm, as it had never occurred before.
From that day forward, the Dijuwa people believed that happiness and celebration were bad omens for them. They believed the agitated soul of Banju’s son brought storms and misfortune, and so, the Dijuwa community refrained from celebrating Busu Dima or any festival with true joy. They believed that if they dared to seek happiness, it would bring disaster.
The Dijuwa people also cannot build two-storey houses or celebrate festivals with joy. They cannot dig hills or build fangsla (the traditional welcoming gate). They cannot accumulate wealth as well because their land was war trodden. Everything seemed to echo their sorrow. Therefore, they accepted life without celebration. And so, the Dijuwa community believed that every misfortune that happened was the result of seeking joy. The story of Banju’s son lost in time, still stirred in their hearts.