Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is one of the most auspicious and vibrant occasions of the year. The event is cherished by millions in West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is the time of the year when Bengalis cherish their tradition, food, and culture with an open heart. From wearing traditional outfits to eating Bengali delicacies, it marks the beauty of the day.
As we step into the new calendar year 1432 in 2025, it is time for us to know more about this day. You may find information about what Pohela Boishakh is and its significance and history, but there are also many unknown facts about the day. Let’s get to know the unknown facts about the day.
1. Pohela Boishakh Has Mughal Roots
If we peek into the history, the Bengali Calendar originated in the 7th century during the times of Gauda ruler King Shashanka. Later the calendar was altered during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who combined the Islamic and Bengali calendars to simplify tax collection for landowners.
The fiscal year was basically aligned with the harvest season to ease the burden on farmers. The practical decision taken decades ago eventually evolved into a cultural tradition and is now celebrated with joy and unity by Bengalis across the world.
2. It’s Not Only Celebrated in Bengal
Though Pohela Boishakh is considered the Bengali New Year, it is not confined to just one region. The variations associated with New Year are observed as well as celebrated in other parts of South Asia.
For instance, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam and Vishu in Kerala all occur in mid-April and share similar values. The overlapping dates on ancient calendars clarifies how the tradition once was shared across the Indian subcontinent.
3. The “Mongol Shobhajatra” is a UNESCO-Recognized Tradition
Mongol Shobhajatra is the highlight of this auspicious occasion. It is a colorful, symbolic procession organized by students of Dhaka University’s faculty of Fine Arts. The tradition promotes peace, joy, and cultural identity. The tradition gained cultural significance when UNESCO included it in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. From then till now, people of the community have been celebrating the unity and joy of the festival.
4. Special Dishes Carry Symbolic Meanings
For Bengalis, food is life. You will get a variety of options in veg, non-veg, and desserts. Additionally, the food in Pohela Boishakh is considered symbolic. For instance, the combination of ilish maach (hilsa fish) with panta bhat (fermented rice) signifies abundance and simplicity.
Along with such dishes, people also enjoy the sweet desserts like rosogolla, misti dahi, gulab jamuns, and more.
Final Thoughts
Like every occasion, Pohela Boishakh is also more than just a new year celebration. It is an effective living tapestry of history, community spirit, and culture. Stepping into 1432 in April 2025, Bengalis are again ready to celebrate and cherish their decades-old tradition that merges unity and joy. Therefore, let’s celebrate the beauty of new beginnings and look forward to a brighter future.
Shubho Noboborsho! May your life be filled with joy, success, and prosperity.
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