Bengali New Year in Bangladesh

Date: Bengali New Year, also known as Pohela Boishakh, is celebrated on the 14th or 15th of April each year, marking the first day of the Bengali calendar.

History: The current form of the Bengali calendar was standardized during Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign to streamline tax collection in Bengal. The year begins with the month of Boishakh, which aligns with other regional calendars like Tamil and Thai.

Traditions:

• Mangal Shobhajatra: A traditional rally organized by students and teachers of Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts, featuring large colorful effigies and masks symbolizing strength and peace.
• Haal Khata: A ceremony to open new ledgers in businesses, symbolizing a fresh start to the financial year.
• Cultural Performances: Music, dance, poetry recitations are commonplace throughout cities and villages alike.
• Traditional Clothing: Men typically wear Panjabi or kurta with pajama or lungi, while women dress in sarees adorned with red and white patterns.
• Food: Festive meals include panta bhat (water-soaked rice), hilsa fish, various bhartas (mashed vegetables), and sweets like rasgullas and sandesh.

Activities on This Day:

• People clean their homes and decorate them with alpana (traditional motifs drawn on the floor).
• They visit fairs that sell traditional goods, pottery, handicrafts, and toys.
• Social gatherings are common where people exchange greetings saying "Shubho Noboborsho" (Happy New Year).
• Special prayers are offered in temples for prosperity throughout the year.

Bengali New Year reflects the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh and is a time for rejuvenation and unity among its people.