Poila Baisakh - 10 things to know with detail
- Poila Baisakh, also known as Pohela Boishakh, is the first day of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated as the Bengali New Year. Here are 10 things to know about this festive occasion:
- 1. Date: Poila Baisakh falls on the 14th or 15th of April each year, depending on the Gregorian calendar.
- 2. Significance: It marks the beginning of the new year for Bengalis and is a time for new beginnings, prosperity, and good fortune.
- 3. History: Poila Baisakh has been celebrated for centuries in the Bengal region, with roots tracing back to the Mughal era.
- 4. Traditions: On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and visit temples to seek blessings for the new year.
- 5. Food: Special dishes are prepared for Poila Baisakh, including panta bhat (fermented rice), ilish maach (hilsa fish), and sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.
- 6. Cultural Events: Poila Baisakh is celebrated with cultural events like fairs, music and dance performances, and processions known as "Prabhat Pheri".
- 7. Greetings: People exchange greetings and good wishes with each other on Poila Baisakh, saying "Shubho Noboborsho" which means "Happy New Year".
- 8. Shopping: It is a common practice to buy new clothes, jewelry, and household items during Poila Baisakh to start the new year on an auspicious note.
- 9. Alpona: Intricate designs called Alpona are drawn on the floors of homes and courtyards to welcome the new year and bring good luck.
- 10. Unity: Poila Baisakh is a time for family gatherings and community celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among Bengalis.