Poila Boisakh: the beginning of the Bengali New Year

Bengalis welcome the new year with an open heart, grandeur, fresh hopes and perspectives. Poila Baisakh receives much love with Haalkhata, Rabindra Sangeet, Dhuti Panjabi, Lucchi Maangsho, and so many other ways that it is celebrated. Meeting and greeting fellow Bengalis and everyone around is the most significant part of Poila Baisakh celebrations.

The first month of the Bengali calendar is Nobo Borsho which means New Year. This new year is also celebrated in Tripura and Bangladesh. Usually, the Bengali new year begins on the 14th or 15th of April. People meet and greet each other and indulge in delectable sweets and savouries. Bengalis indulge in eating, singing and shopping and spend a lot of time in merriment and prayers. The essence of Bengali New Year lies in the fact of building a harmonious relationship and bonding with near and dear ones. Keeping up with this spirit throughout the year is the spiritual Mantra of the beginning of the new year. Not just religiously, but this day is also important for people who run businesses. This day marks the beginning of a new financial year and people also open new accounts book called the Haal Khaata. People pray to god to bless them with a good harvest.

Poila Baisakh or Noboborsho will be celebrated on Saturday, April 15. Poila Baisakh is celebrated by Bengalis in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. In Assam, Noboborsho is celebrated as Bihu.

In other parts of the country, the date is celebrated as Baisakhi. Baisakhi holds a lot of significance from both religious as well as harvest points of view. According to Drik Panchang, this day marks the formation of Khalsa (the pure one) which occurred on Vaisakhi day in 1699. This is also the day Guru Gobind Singh abolished the distinction between higher and lower caste communities. The Sikh Guru tradition ended, with the Guru Granth Sahib being declared the eternal guide and Holy Book of Sikhism. 

Bengalis believe that it is a day of indulging themselves in fun activities and performing prayers. Food lovers may enjoy a taste of different delicacies in new restaurants. This is how the people of Bengal give grand welcome to the new year. With this, hope you have a great upcoming new year. Wishing you a Shubho Nobo Borsho.