Pohela Boisakh - The first day of Bengali calender

Pohela Baishakh is the first date of new calnder. Bengali New Year (Bengali: নববর্ষ Nôbobôrsho) or Poyela Boishakh (পহেলা বৈশাখ Pôhela Boishakh or পয়লা বৈশাখ Pôela Boishakh) is the first day of the Bengali calendar, celebrated in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, and in Bengali communities in Assam ,Tripura and Odisha and all over India as well where the Bengali community arises where the people follow bangali calender .






Poila Boishakh assembles all ethnic Bengalis irrespective of religious and regional differences. In India, in West Bengal and Assam, it is a public (state) holiday and is publicly celebrated in mid-April. In Bangladesh, it is a national holiday celebrated around 14 April according to the official amended calendar designed by the Bangla Academy.


It is the one celebration that goes beyond geographical borders as the Bengali New Year is celebrated in Bangladesh, making it the biggest cultural festival that has survived the last few centuries where Bengalis of all walks of life come together to make it colorful, bright and joyous.





Activities of Pohela Boishakh:


· Boishakhi Parade (Mongol Shova jatra): Boishakhi Mongol Shobha Jatra is one of the biggest attractions of the day. Around 10 a.m, the rally starts from the CharuKala Institute of Dhaka University.


· Boishakhi Fair (Mela): It is arranged all over the country and continues for at least a week. There are a wide range of products and activities that make the fair an attraction to all age groups. From home accessories to anything and everything that speaks Bengali authenticity, find their way to here. The ones seen in this fair are different in that these are much smaller with a simpler structure made out of wood and bamboo and lacking engines to run them.


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· Aalpona: In the front yard and staircases, miniature Aalponas or Rangolies, traditional designs, are drawn using bright colors like red, green, blue and yellow as well as powdered rice. Drawing gigantic Aalponas in the main streets and walls all nightlong is one fun activity where both male and female participates. All the division takes part to be the longest Aalpona every year.


· Haalkhata: It is the ritual of closing the old Ledger and opening a new one with new entries on Pohela Boishakh. Traders involved in gold, clothing or food business send out invitations to old customers and entertain them with sweets.


· Sports: Rural sports such as Nouka Baich (boat race), Kite flying, Bull Racing, and flying pigeons are among the more popular ones.



· Panta Elish: Panta elish is the food offered in the day . people come their house and giving the panta elish is a tradition.