Poila Baishakh or Bengali New Year is celebrated with much
splendor among the Bengali communities spread all over the world. The day is
observed on the first day of the Bengali calendar, which usually falls either
on the 14th or 15th of April.
Information table of Bengali New Year
Topic
|
Knowledge
|
Date
|
14
and 15 April
|
Festival
|
Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) |
Meaning
of Bengali New Year
|
The first month of the Bengali calendar |
significance |
Every year starts with a new beginning |
Culture
Significance
|
A symbol of Bengali cultural identity and a reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage |
Rituals
/ Observance
|
People wear traditional attire,visit their families and friends and spend time together |
Duration
|
1
Day
|
Type |
Hindu
Holiday |
History of celebrating Pohela Bioshakh
Pohela Boishakh, also known as Bengali New Year, is an
important festival in Bangladesh and the Bengali-speaking states of India,
especially West Bengal. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the
Bengali calendar, which is usually April 14. This year it will be April 15. The
origin of Pohela Boishakh dates back to the times of the Mughal Empire, where
it was celebrated as a harvest festival. . The festival gained importance
during the Bengal Renaissance at the turn of the 20th century, when cultural
icons such as Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam incorporated it into
their works. Today, Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with great enthusiasm by
Bengali communities all over the world. This day is marked by colorful parades,
performances of traditional music and dance, and various cultural events.
People wear traditional clothes and exchange greetings, asking for peace,
prosperity and happiness in the coming year. Pohela Boishakh is a symbol of
Bengali cultural identity and a reminder of the region's rich heritage. It is a
time for people to come together, celebrate their traditions and values, and
reflect on the past year and plan for the future. The festival promotes
harmony, unity and common understanding among Bengalis, regardless of religion
and history.
Significance of Bengali New Year
Pohela Boishakh is a symbol of Bengali cultural identity and
a reminder of the region's rich heritage. It is a time for people to come
together and celebrate their traditions and values, as well as reflect on the
past year and plan for the future.
How Bengali people celebrate their Pohela Bioshakh
In Bangladesh, there are different celebrations for
businesses and for families at home.
Companies start the new financial year with a ceremony
called "Haal Khata", ending all debts and resuming operations. This
calls for a big celebration where businessmen exchange sweets and make new
friends. Similar sweets they share include rasgulla (milk dumplings in syrup),
and sandal (buttermilk, similar to dulce de leche). For the family, the
celebration is completely different. We eat "Elisham", the national
fish of Bangladesh with rice. It was interesting because it was a big part, but
we ate that day very simply, nothing fancy. I think it is easier to celebrate
all the ranks together. It's also a way to remember our roots and brings us
closer to nature and a simple life. Bengali cuisine mainly used fish. New Year
is more than just a celebration; it is a way to bring Bengali culture,
principles and people closer together. The New Year is dressed in the usual
white and red clothes. There is also a road painted with ornaments called
Alpona, with a variety of flowers and leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bengali New Year, also known as
"Pohela Boishakh," is a vibrant and culturally significant
celebration observed by the Bengali community. It marks the beginning of the
Bengali calendar year and is characterized by colourful festivities,
traditional music, dance, and various cultural events. The spirit of unity,
renewal, and cultural pride is evident during this time as people come together
to celebrate their heritage and embrace the hope and optimism that the New Year
brings. Pohela Boishakh not only symbolizes the passage of time but also serves
as a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry and resilience of the Bengali people.
It is a joyous occasion that fosters a sense of community and strengthens the
bonds of tradition among individuals and generations.