Bengali New Year

Bengali New Year History

The Bengali New Year, also known as Pôhela Bôishakh, marks the new Bengali calendar year and is synonymous with new beginnings and rejuvenation. This festive occasion is made vibrant by various traditions such as wearing new clothes, visiting friends and family, exchanging gifts, and indulging in special feasts. Cultural performances, fairs, and processions featuring traditional music, dance, and crafts illuminate the essence of Bengal's rich heritage during this time.

The history of the Bengali New Year is rooted in the Mughal Empire when Emperor Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar in the late 16th century. For the Bengali diaspora in America, the celebration manifests an opportunity to connect deeply with their roots while also showcasing the richness of Bengali culture to a multicultural audience. The event is marked by public gatherings, cultural performances, and food festivals, where Bengali cuisine, known for its diverse flavors and unique preparations, gets the spotlight. Traditional music and dance performances, along with art and crafts exhibitions, allow Bengali-Americans to keep their cultural identity alive while also engaging other communities.

Bengali New Year celebrations in America are widespread and include numerous public events, private parties, and community gatherings. Irrespective of their region, Bengali-Americans celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and fervor, treating it as an opportunity to come together and maintain strong cultural bonds. The official date of the Bengali New Year may vary in the United States as it's based on the Bengali calendar, which is a solar calendar. However, it usually occurs on April 14th or 15th, aligning with other Asian New Year celebrations.

Facts about Bengali New Year

• Customarily, the Bengali New Year marks the day to start new ledgers for Bengali businesses.
• The Mangal Shobhajatra festival is celebrated on this day. It was started by students and teachers of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University in 1989 as a protest against the military rulers. The themes of evil, courage and strength, and peace are each represented by some of the masks or floats created for the festival. People come together regardless of race, beliefs or class.
• "Shubho Noboborsho" is "Happy new year" in Bengali.
• An artist from Chhayanaut, an institution for Bengali culture, performs the song "Esho, he Boishakh, Esho Esho" ("Come, O Boishakh, Come, Come") under the banyan tree at Ramna Park. Large crowds gather for the occasion.

In the News and Trending in the US for Bengali New Year

Top things to do in the US for Bengali New Year's Day

• Wear a traditional Bengali sari, such as the Dhakai Jamdani or the Casual Tangail.
• Prepare a traditional Bengali dish. The Dimer Dhokkar Dalna and Luchi is made with steamed eggs and potato cake in curry with luchi.
• Watch a good movie. One of the highest rated Bengali movies on imdb.com is The Clay Bird (2002).