The Bengali-speaking regions of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal celebrate Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali new year 2023, with great enthusiasm and frolics. This colorful festival serves as a ushering of the Bengali calendar year and it is the time for making a fresh start, indulging in artistic pursuit and enjoying the delicious local cuisine.
Let's find out about the history, symbolism and customs of this occasion "Pohela Boishakh".
Pohela Boishakh Meaning
The name "Pohela Boishakh" is the combination of the word "Pohela," which implies the first one, and the word "Baisakh," which refers to the first month of the Bengali calendar. It represents the arrival of agriculture time when farmers start plowing the fields and sowing the seeds.
History
Pohela Boishakh (bengali new year), being the first day of the Bengali Calendar, has a history of many decades. Its sources are rooted in the Mughal period in India, especially during the time of Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Besides its administrative reforms, Mughal Empire further introduced the Bengali calendar as being a part of its policies to facilitate the collection of taxes which were time-bounded by the agricultural cycle.
The Bengali calendar, or the Bangabda, was announced in the year 1091, Bengali year (1584 CE) through a regal project called "Tarikh-i-ilahi". This calendar is a luni-solar calendar like the Hindu calendar; with years divided into months of twelve, which are in turn divided into days based on the moon’s movements.
Pohela Boishakh is a day where the Bengali lunar calendar begins, and this date generally falls in the middle of April according to the Gregorian calendar. The element of this name "Pohela '' means "first '' and this month is known as the Baisakh. Therefore, the first day of Baishakh is the corresponding new year of the Bengali calendar.
Moving to the Mughal period, Pohela Baisakh was the time when farmers paid off their debts to the landlord and, then, began the new cycle of farming. Merchants and financiers closed their old accounts and started new ones during the time. The event centered on food, music and various cultural shows displaying resilience and hopes for abundance.
Pohela Baisakh, over the centuries, has progressed to a popular cultural festivity in Bengal being observed with fervor and enthusiasm. It is a time of the year for people to wear new dresses , to visit temples or to be part of the cultural programs and fairs. In addition to that, there is celebration of friendship as well as sharing of gifts.
Pohela Boishakh is more than an event; it is a celebration representative of the Bengali culture, tradition, and heritage of the Bengalis. It displays the feeling of one-ness and brotherhood in the Bengali society, as they unite to bring the new year as a gift loaded with joys, hopes and good things.
Bengali New Year 2024 Date
In 2024, Pohela Boishakh or the Bengali New Year's Day will be on 14th April as per the traditional Vishu Baisakhi calendar. This is the same day when the whole world celebrates this festival according to the Gregorian calendar.
How is the Bengali New Year Celebrated?
The new year for Bengalis, Pohela Boishakh, is the most important event in the calendar of West Bengal, Bangladesh and the majority of Bengali communities living abroad. The auspicious day is accompanied by a plethora of unique traditions, rituals, and activities that portray the vibrant and diverse culture of Bengal. Here's how Pohela Boishakh is celebrated:
Early Morning Rituals: The day starts off with the early morning bathing ritual called as, Mahashan, at the rivers, ponds, or the temple where people visit for a holy dip in which they purify themselves and they consider their sins have been forgiven.
Wearing New Clothes: Tradition of wearing new clothes is one of the reasons behind the festivity of Pohela Boishakh. Women, usually, wear long white saree with red borders or pheta that is called 'Laal Paar' Sari; whereas men more likely wear dhoti-kurta or panjabi.
Decoration: This is the time when houses and business premises are decorated using alpana (floral designs) and rangoli to welcome the upcoming year. Mango leaves and flowers are tied to the entrance for auspiciousness and wealth.
Visiting Temples: The temples become places for offering prayers amidst the celebrations for the new year and also people visit the temples with the wish of seeking blessings from the divine goddess. Temples, particularly those devoted to Goddess Kali are washed over and illuminated by flowers and lights.
Cultural Programs: Culture programs like traditional music, dance, and drama are held in different parts of Bengal. The festivals provide a platform to present the fantastic cultural heritage of Bengal which is liked by people of all age groups.
Fairs and Festivities: At the market places, viewers can sense the hustle and bustle with people shopping for dresses, necklaces, and home appliances among many other things. At these fairs, different kinds of shows and activities are arranged besides providing a variety of entertainment options.
Exchanging Greetings: People meet on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh and exchange greetings along with sweets like "Panta Bhat" (fermented rice), "Aamer Chatni" (mango chutney), and "Shondesh" (a sweet delicacy) with friends, family, and neighbors.
Community Feasts: Special foods are prepared to celebrate the Bengali culture, and families and friends attend this event to enjoy the Bengali cuisine. The signature dishes would entail "Ilish Bhapa" (steamed Hilsa fish), "Cholar Dal" (Bengal gram lentils cooked with coconut and spices), and "Shorshe Ilish" (Hilsa fish cooked in a mustard gravy).
Cultural Processions: Cultural symbols of classical music and dance are performed in the streets during daytime and "Prabhat Pheri'' processions are organized. These processions complement the lively environment of Pohela Boishakh
Special Traditional Food on Pohela Boishakh:
Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year 2024, is not only a cultural festivity occupied with a variety of programs but also a special occasion to cook and eat traditional dishes. Here are some of the traditional Bengali New Year special foods:
Panta Bhat: Panta Bhat is the most traditional Bengali dish, which is made with leftover rice, soaked in water overnight. It is usually served with varied options, including fried fish, pickles and green chilies. The fermentation process brings a distinctive sense of tanginess to it.
Ilish Bhapa: The delectable Ilish bhapa is a landmark Bengali dish that is prepared by coating the Hilsa fish with mustard paste which is then steamed till it's cooked. It is a delicacy that is only consumed on special occasions.
Cholar Dal: Cholar Dal is a West-Bengali lentil dish containing Bengal gram lentil which is cooked with coconut, raisin and spices.
Shorshe Ilish: Shorshe Ilish is another Hilsa fish dish that is cooked in Mustard Gravy. The spicy, pungent flavor of mustard however enhances and blends well with the rich taste of the fish, which is widely loved among Bengalis.
Aamer Dal: Aamer dal is a flavorful soup with lentils, green mangoes and spices. The dish is given a unique spin of being a refreshing one perfect for the hot summer, which falls in the month of Pohela Boishakh.
Shondesh: Shondesh is the most recognized Bengali sweet prepared by mixing cottage cheese (chhena) and sugar. It is sometimes flavored with cardamom, saffron, or other ingredients and then molded into small, bite-size round balls
Rasgulla: Rasgulla an ultimate Bengali delicacy which is made with chena and sugar syrup. The soft and puffy round balls dipped in sugar syrup are loved by people of any age group and community.
Mishti Doi: Mishti Doi is a sweet yogurt dessert which is a must-have during Pohela Boishakh. It involves the process of fermenting milk that's been sweetened overnight, which is why it is extremely thick and sweet.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Pohela Boishakh isn't just a festival, but it's also a doorway that leads to Bengali culture, heritage, and tradition. It is a unifying force, making people mutually bounded and at the same time strengthening social bonds. With the turn of the year, a new day begins, full of new goals, ideals and aspirations for the entire Bengali community. It thus becomes a time to rejoice and welcome the new year.