Bengali New Year

Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh) History

Bengali New Year, also known as "Poila Boishakh", serves as a vital link to Bengali's heritage and cultural identity, with great importance attached to communal togetherness, secular values, and economic prosperity. Cultural programs, fairs, rallies, and traditional cuisines are key elements of this occasion, which are marked by the famous saying “Shubho Noboborsho” meaning ‘Happy New Year’.

The tradition of celebrating the Bengali New Year dates back to the Mughal era when Emperor Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar for streamlining tax collection. In the Indian context, this celebration holds a special place among the Bengali-speaking population, irrespective of linguistic or religious diversity. The important aspects of the celebration in India circle around economic significance, as on this day businesses close old accounts and the new financial year begins. This practice, known as “Haal Khata”, is a customary ritual performed with a jovial spirit and fanfare.

In India, the Bengali New Year is principally observed with immense enthusiasm among the Bengali communities in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. The day starts with the traditional prayer called "Prabhat Pheri" followed by cultural events like poetry readings, music concerts, and dance performances. Busy bazaars overflow with shoppers purchasing new clothes and sweets, symbolising a fresh start to the new year. Typically, the Bengali New Year occurs around mid-April, according to the Gregorian calendar, often celebrated on the 14th or 15th of April, depending on the Indian lunar calendar.

Facts about Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh)

• Customarily, the Bengali New Year marks the day to start new ledgers for Bengali businesses.
• The Mangal Shobhajatra festival is celebrated on this day. It was started by students and teachers of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University in 1989 as a protest against the military rulers. The themes of evil, courage and strength, and peace are each represented by some of the masks or floats created for the festival. People come together regardless of race, beliefs or class.
• The typical Bengali New Year meal includes panta bhat (watered rice), ilish bhaji (fried hilsa fish), and many types of bhartas (mashes), which are considered traditional and auspicious food items.
• Bengali New Year was officially codified by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, as part of the larger project of reforming the calendar and revenue collection system.

In the News and Trending in India for Bengali New Year

Top things to do in India for Bengali New Year's Day

• Wear a traditional Bengali sari, such as the Dhakai Jamdani or the Casual Tangail.
• Prepare a traditional Bengali dish. The Dimer Dhokkar Dalna and Luchi is made with steamed eggs and potato cake in curry with luchi.
• Visit the Alipore Zoological Gardens: Enjoy a day out at this Zoo where you can see a variety of species. Usually, special events are held on this day and the place is beautifully decorated.
• Attend the Pohela Boishakh Parade: This is the most popular event held in Kolkata on Bengali New Year. Thousands of people participate in this parade which also showcases various elements of Bengali culture.