Pohela Boishakh

The first day of the Bengali calendar, is more than just a New Year celebration. It is a vibrant representation of Bengali identity, culture, and heritage. It marks a new beginning filled with hope, unity, and joy and is celebrated on April 14 or 15, depending on where you are in the country. Pohela Boishakh is a deeply emotional and cultural festival for Bengalis all over the world—from Dhaka to Kolkata, from villages to cities—that brings people together to celebrate life itself. Pohela Boishakh has been around for centuries and has ties to the Mughal era. It is often said that Emperor Akbar changed the calendar so that tax collections coincided with harvest time. What started out as a necessity for administrative purposes evolved into a cultural tradition that is still alive and well today.

On Pohela Boishakh, colorful processions, music, dance, and festive attire bring the streets of Dhaka, Kolkata, Chittagong, and many other towns and villages to life. The Mangal Shobhajatra, a vibrant parade that began at Dhaka University and is now UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is one of the most well-known events. Traditional motifs, large, vibrant masks, and themes promoting unity, peace, and resistance to injustice are featured in the procession. It is more than just a celebration; it is a declaration of cultural resiliency and pride. Boishakhi melas, or fairs, are a staple of the season in markets, particularly in towns and villages. Folk performances and puppet shows, as well as local jewelry and handicrafts, are all available at these fairs. Folk songs and laughter fill the air as children ride ferris wheels, artisans display their wares, and the festival goes on. Pohela Boishakh is also a time for shopkeepers to start a new accounting book, or haal khata, and to give customers sweets in hopes of good luck and continued prosperity. However, Pohela Boishakh is not just a local custom. Cultural organizations stage plays, poetry readings, and musical performances in cities. The day often begins with renditions of Rabindra Sangeet, especially Tagore’s famous song "Esho He Boishakh, Esho Esho," which welcomes the New Year and is a call to cleanse the soul of the old and embrace the new with hope and energy.

Additionally, this celebration conveys a lovely message of inclusivity and secularism. Religion and social class are not relevant in Pohela Boishakh. It is open to anyone with a Bengali identity, not just Hindus, Muslims, Christians, or Buddhists. This celebration reminds us of our shared roots, our shared joys, and the strength of unity in a world that frequently emphasizes differences. Pohela Boishakh is fundamentally a celebration of renewal. It encourages people to move on from the difficulties and failures of the previous year and begin again with renewed optimism. It's a time to clean up, pay off debts, come to terms with differences, and feel happier going into the new year. In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, Pohela Boishakh serves as a powerful reminder of who we are and where we come from. It makes us stop, think about it, and get back in touch with our culture, our loved ones, and our own selves. Therefore, Pohela Boishakh is yours, whether you are dancing in the streets or watching from afar, whether you are in a bustling city or a peaceful village. It is your holiday, your custom, and your story. Noboborsho Shubho I wish you and your loved ones peace, health, and happiness in the coming year. May the light fill your days, rekindle your hopes, and open your heart to the possibilities of the new year.