Pohela Boishakh - The Bangali New Year’s festive

Pohela Boishakh - The Bangali New Year’s festive

In Bangladesh, we celebrate our Bengali New Year called Pohela Boishakh. It is the first day of the Bengali calendar, celebrated on April 14 every year. It is also known as "Noboborsho". Pahela Boishakh is one of the biggest and most important festivals for people in Bangladesh and the Bengali community worldwide. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in our country and West Bengal, India. It is the symbol of Bengali culture and identity. Throughout the day it is celebrated with processions, masses, and family time. The history of Pahela Boishakh dates back to the Mughal era in the Indian subcontinent. Howsoever, the celebration of Pahela Boishakh is rooted in ancient agricultural traditions, where the first day of the Bengali New Year marks the beginning of the harvest season. It was a time for farmers to celebrate the fruits of their labor and to pray for a good crop in the coming years. Moreover, It is a celebration of Bengali culture, traditions, and identity. The day begins with the early morning procession or “Prabhat Pheri” where mostly the young people gather to walk in colorful processions, and sing and dance to traditional songs. On this day, people wear traditional attire. Women wear traditional sarees and men wear traditional lungi kurta. There is a traditional dish made with leftover rice, water, and fried Hilsa fish. It is eaten in Pohela Boishakh to mark the beginning of a new cycle in agriculture. Secondly, Pohela Boishakh is a festival that breaks down social and economic barriers and brings people from all walks of life together. It is a time for people to

connect, share their joys and sorrows, and celebrate their common heritage. Moreover. it is a time to let go of the past and face the future with renewed hope and optimism. The festival is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the need to constantly renew and rejuvenate. Pohela Boishakh is a festival that brings together people from different backgrounds and social classes. It helps promote social cohesion and a sense of community among people otherwise separated by differences. Furthermore, Pohela Boishakh has given a huge boost to the local economy, especially in Bangladesh, which is the busiest season for retailers. The increased economic activity helps to stimulate job growth and investment in the local economy. It is a secular festival that provides opportunities for people of all religions in Bangladesh. This festival serves as an occasion for people of different religions to come together and celebrate. Promote religious harmony and tolerance in society. The festival is celebrated with traditional music, dance, food, and clothing. All of these have symbolic meanings for the Bengali people. For instance, the traditional red and white color scheme of the festival represents prosperity and pureness, while the use of sweets and new clothes symbolizes new beginnings. The festival is a chance for family and friends to come together and celebrate. building up social bonds and creating a sense of community. Sharing food and participating in traditional dances and functions also strengthens cultural identity and helps maintain the cultural traditions of the Bengali people.

To put it briefly, Pohela Boishakh is a major cultural event that marks the beginning of the New Year for Bengalis. It is a festival where people gather to celebrate, exchange greetings and sweets, wear new clothes, and participate in traditional dances and music. Overall. Pohela Boishakh is an important aspect of Bengali culture and tradition, reflecting the rich history values, and beliefs of the Bengali people.