Chaitra Sankranti in Bangladesh marks the end of the Bangla month Chaitra and is the day before Pohela Boishakh, which is the Bengali New Year. Chaitra Sankranti usually falls on April 13th or 14th each year.

History and Traditions:

Chaitra Sankranti has its origins in ancient agricultural practices and solar events. It signifies the end of the harvesting season for farmers, who thank the gods for the harvest and pray for a prosperous planting season ahead.

The day is traditionally marked by:

• Charak Puja: An important festival on this day, involving a fair (mela) and religious activities. Devotees of Lord Shiva participate in this festival where they perform penance by undertaking various physical challenges to show their devotion.

• Mela (Fair): Fairs are organized across different regions with traditional food stalls, handicrafts, cultural performances, and rides.

• Folk Music: Traditional folk songs are performed by rural artists, celebrating the end of an old year and seeking blessings for the new one.

What People Do:

On Chaitra Sankranti:

• People clean their homes and businesses as a ritual to remove evil forces.

• They visit fairs, enjoy traditional foods like "panta bhat" (fermented rice), "ilish" fish, and sweets.

• Farmers prepare their land for the upcoming monsoon season.

• Many people donate to charities or give alms to those in need as an act of goodwill to start the New Year positively.

Chaitra Sankranti serves as a time of reflection on the past year's work and celebration before welcoming in a new cycle with Pohela Boishakh.