Bengali New Year

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.