Bengali New Year, also known as Pohela Boishakh, is the first day of the Bengali calendar, which is celebrated on the 14th/15th of April every year in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. The festival is a time of renewal and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by Bengali people all over the world.
This year, 1st day of the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh)(Naba Barsha 1430/নব বর্ষ ১৪৩০) is on 15th April 2023.
The origins of Pohela Boishakh can be traced back to the Mughal Empire, which ruled over Bengal from the 16th to the 19th century. The Mughals introduced a new calendar, which was based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and the Bengali New Year was celebrated on the first day of the month of Baishakh, which is the first month of the Bengali calendar.
Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with a variety of traditional customs and rituals. One of the most popular customs is the wearing of new clothes, which is considered to be a symbol of renewal and fresh beginnings. Many people also visit the local temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year.
The festival is also celebrated with a variety of delicious traditional foods, such as Panta Bhat, which is a dish made of soaked rice, and Dhakai Jamdani sarees, which is a type of traditional Bengali saree. Sweets like Rosogolla, Kalojam and Langcha are also commonly consumed during the occasion.
One of the most popular events of Pohela Boishakh is the Pohela Boishakh Mela, which is a traditional fair that is held in many cities and towns throughout Bangladesh and West Bengal. The fair is a celebration of Bengali culture and features a variety of traditional crafts, food, and entertainment.
The fairs are usually filled with vibrant colors, music, and dance, and it's a great way for people to come together and celebrate the new year. People of all ages take part in the fairs, and it's an opportunity for them to meet friends and family, and to enjoy the traditional foods, music, and entertainment.
Another popular event during Pohela Boishakh is the Pohela Boishakh parade(Sobha Jatra), which is held in many cities and towns throughout Bangladesh and West Bengal. The parade features a variety of traditional dances, music, and performances, and it's a great way for people to come together and celebrate the new year.
