Bangladesh celebrates many festivals, both religious and national. Among these, Pohela Pohela Boishakh stands out as a truly universal celebration where people from all religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds come together to participate.
Pohela Boishakh , also known as Bengali New Year, is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm across Bangladesh and by Bengali communities worldwide. It marks the first day of the Bengali calendar month of Boishakh , usually falling on April 14th. This year, however, Pohela Boishakh falls on Sunday, April 14th, 2024.
A Historical Beginning:
The origins of Pohela Boishakh can be traced back to the Mughal era. Emperor Akbar the Great implemented a new calendar system in the 16th century, and the Bengali calendar, based on the solar cycle, was born. Pohela Boishakh marks the beginning of this new fiscal year as well.
Celebrating with Gusto:
Pohela Boishakh is a national holiday in Bangladesh, and the entire country comes alive with festivities. Hereâs a glimpse into how people celebrate:.
A Welcoming Dawn:
- The day begins with early morning processions called Prabhat Pheri. People, dressed in colorful attire, gather and sing folk songs celebrating the new year.
- Traditional percussion instruments like dhol (drums) and shehnai (wind instruments) fill the air.
- Many families visit temples to offer prayers for a prosperous year.
A Symbol of New Beginnings:
- Wearing new clothes, particularly in shades of yellow and red, symbolizes a fresh start and optimism for the coming year.
- Haal Khata , a traditional practice, involves business owners opening new account books with hopes of a successful year.
- Mangal Shobhajatra , a grand cultural procession organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, showcases vibrant floats depicting themes of Bengali culture and heritage. This procession has been recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity.
A Feast for the Senses:
- Bengali cuisine takes center stage during Pohela Boishakh. Traditional dishes like Panta bhat (soaked rice), Ilish Bhaja (fried Hilsa fish), Sandesh (sweet made with milk solids), and various Bhaartas (mashed vegetables) fill dinner tables.
- Markets and fairs come alive with vibrant displays of handicrafts, agricultural products, and traditional sweets.
A captured a Boishakhi fair video last year and uploaded on YouTube. I attached this here, if you watch this video , you will get a better Idea about Pohela Boishakh. How enjoyable t is.
A Celebration for All:
- Pohela Boishakh transcends religious boundaries. People from all faiths come together to celebrate the cultural heritage of Bengal.
- Traditional folk music and dance performances add to the festive spirit.
Pohela Boishakh is a celebration of cultural heritage, new beginnings, and the joy of togetherness. So, if you have the opportunity to experience this vibrant festival, embrace the spirit of renewal and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Bengal!
Happpy Bangla New Year to All.
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