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Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is one of the most significant and joyous celebrations in Bangladesh, marking the first day of the Bengali lunar calendar. This festive occasion, which falls on 14 April each year, is a day of cultural unity and collective joy, celebrated by Bengalis all over the world, but especially in Bangladesh.

Pohela Boishakh is not just a marking of time but also a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the beauty of Bengali traditions, customs and values.

Historical significance

The history of Pohela Boishakh dates back to the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. To streamline the agricultural tax system, Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar, also known as the Bangla Samvat, which began in 1584. This calendar was based on the solar cycle and aimed to synchronise the fiscal year with the agricultural seasons. The first day of this calendar, Pohela Boishakh, became an important cultural and economic occasion. Over time, it evolved into a major cultural celebration, symbolising new beginnings, prosperity and the unity of the Bengali people.

Cultural celebrations

In Bangladesh, Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and fervour. It is not just a public holiday but an expression of the nation’s cultural identity. People wake up early on the first day of the new year to begin the celebrations. 

Bengali men and women traditionally wear new clothes on this day. Women often wear red and white sarees, while men dress in colourful kurtas and pyjama sets. The colours red and white are considered auspicious, symbolising new beginnings and renewal. The streets of Bangladesh, especially in cities like Dhaka, come alive with vibrant displays of these colours, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Food and festivities

Food plays a central role in Pohela Boishakh celebrations. One of the most iconic dishes is Panta Bhat (fermented rice), typically eaten with fried hilsa fish, mashed potatoes and green chilies. This traditional dish symbolises simplicity and the agrarian roots of Bengali life. Along with Panta Bhat (a rice dish), a variety of sweets like Roshogolla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi (sweetened yogurt) are enjoyed by families and friends.

Throughout the day, people visit relatives, friends, and neighbours, exchanging greetings such as "Shubho Noboborsho" (Happy New Year) and sharing sweets. The celebration of Pohela Boishakh is as much about food as it is about togetherness. It is a time for community bonding, where families come together to celebrate and enjoy the bounties of life.

Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra: A unique tradition

One of the most striking features of Pohela Boishakh in Dhaka is the Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra previously named Mangal Shobhajatra (1996-2024), a grand procession organised by the students and faculty of Dhaka University. This procession, which started in the 1980s, is now an iconic part of the festival. It features colourful floats, large paper-mâché masks, and symbols of prosperity, such as the rooster and the fish, all representing different aspects of Bengali culture and tradition.

The procession is a vibrant display of Bengali creativity and unity. It includes traditional dances, music and performances, creating a lively atmosphere that unites people from all walks of life. The Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra has become an important cultural tradition that showcases the strength of Bengali heritage and its ability to adapt and evolve.

Economic and social significance

Pohela Boishakh also has practical significance, particularly for traders and businesses. It is customary to open a new ledger or Halkhata on this day, symbolising the start of a new fiscal year. Business owners often visit their customers, offer sweets, and hope for prosperity in the coming year. This tradition highlights the interconnectedness of culture and commerce in Bangladesh, where the celebration of the new year is both a personal and communal occasion.

In rural Bangladesh, Pohela Boishakh is also a time to express gratitude for the harvest and to celebrate the connection between nature and the people. The festival marks a fresh start, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the seasons.

A festival of unity

Pohela Boishakh transcends religious and social boundaries. The festival promotes unity, harmony and joy, reinforcing the sense of collective identity among Bengalis.

For Bengalis living abroad, Pohela Boishakh serves as a connection to their homeland. Communities in countries like the United States of America, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom celebrate with cultural programmes, traditional dances and feasts, bringing the essence of Bengali traditions to the diaspora.

Pohela Boishakh is much more than just the first day of the Bengali year: it is a celebration of life, culture and community. In Bangladesh, it represents a time to reflect on the past, embrace the present and look forward to a prosperous future. The festival, with its colourful customs, delicious food and joyful spirit, embodies the heart and soul of the Bengali people. Through Pohela Boishakh, the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh is passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the traditions of the past continue to shape the future.

Hridoy studies Undergraduate Laws in Bangladesh.