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It's an iconic festival

Published : Monday, 14 April, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 506
Mahmuda Begum Sinthia
Emanating Bangalee essence is the true mirror of our Banglalee spirit and existence. We know to observe the celebration of soulful Banglalee culture with traditional flavor and brimming unity. Pohela Boishakh is our iconic occasion in our Banglalee context. It is the reflection of rich Banglalee cultural heritage, vibrant restoration, reunion and regeneration of Banglalee people as the heart of Banglaleeana.

Pohela Boishakh, marking the beginning of the Bengali year 1432, is not merely a festival but a profound celebration of life's enduring cycle of renewal. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it symbolizes hope, unity, and the promise of new beginnings, reflecting the eternal cycle of life. Observed with immense enthusiasm across Bangladesh and among Bengali communities worldwide, Pohela Boishakh transcends cultural boundaries to embrace the universal human spirit of life's perpetual renewal and continuity. Therefore, Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is more than a calendar event; it symbolizes renewal, hope, and cultural identity. Celebrated on April 14, mid-April in the Gregorian calendar. in Bangladesh, it marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar and heralds a season of rejuvenation. The Bengali calendar, also known as Bangabda, was introduced during the Mughal era by Emperor Akbar to align with the agricultural cycles and facilitate tax collection, ensuring harmony between lunar Islamic and solar Hindu calendars. This is known as the start of harvest season and became a cornerstone of Bengali identity. Some historians attribute its inception to King Shashanka in the 7th century. After that the Bengali calendar is used in Bangladesh and parts of India, with the New Year beginning on the first day of Boishakh in summer season.

Pohela Boishakh embodies renewal-both personal and communal. It signifies bidding farewell to past struggles and embracing new beginnings. The festival is steeped in themes of hope over despair, light over darkness, and unity across social divides. For farmers, it marks the onset of agricultural prosperity; for traders, it is a day to open new account books - Haal Khaata.Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali calendar, is a festival that transcends religious and regional boundaries. It is a time when the people of Bangladesh come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage, embrace new beginnings, and reaffirm their commitment to unity. The streets are adorned with vibrant colors, the air is filled with the sweet melodies of traditional music, and the hearts of the people are brimming with joy and anticipation.
The iconic aspects of Pohela Boishakh is the boishakhi culture and boishakhi fair. Bengali folklore and culture captivate the hearts and minds of Banglalees. In 2016, UNESCO recognized this festivity as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further solidifying its significance in the global cultural landscape.

“Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with vibrant rituals that reflect Bengali heritage. Traditional attire like white-red panjabi for men and sarees for women adorn participants as they engage in cultural programs featuring traditional folk songs, Rabindra songs, puppet show, bioscope show, boishakhi fair, and boishakhi culinary delights like Panta-Ilish and sweets”

Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with vibrant rituals that reflect Bengali heritage. Traditional attire like white-red panjabi for men and sarees for women adorn participants as they engage in cultural programs featuring traditional folk songs, Rabindra songs, puppet show, bioscope show, boishakhi fair, and boishakhi culinary delights like Panta-Ilish, sweets. Homes are decorated with alpana (traditional floor art), while fairs (Boishakhi Mela) showcase local crafts, food, and performances. Beyond its cultural significance, Pohela Boishakh is an economic phenomenon in Bangladesh. The festival boosts commerce as markets thrive with sales of clothing, decorations, and artisanal goods. It also creates opportunities for local businesses to showcase traditional crafts and foods. The government and private sectors collaborate to maximize its economic potential. This aspect underscores how cultural celebrations can contribute to national prosperity.

Today's celebrations blend tradition with contemporary practices. Early morning processions - Prabhat Pheri is the highlighting feature of the day with music and dance. Families exchange gifts, visit fairs, and indulge in delicacies like ilish maach and sweets. In urban areas, events often feature live performances by renowned artists.

But Pohela Boishakh is more than just a celebration of food and festivities. It is a time for reflection, a time to remember the struggles and triumphs of the past, and a time to look forward to a future filled with hope and promise of beginning echo. As the sun rises on the first day of the new year, people welcome the new year with a rendition of Rabindranath Tagore's famous song, "Esho, he Boishakh, Esho Esho" (Come, O Boishakh, Come, Come).At its core, Pohela Boishakh embodies life's perpetual cycle of renewal. It reflects humanity's enduring spirit to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. By uniting people across social divides in shared joy and hope, it reinforces values that transcend time-making it not just a Bengali celebration but a universal ode to renewal. The essence of Pohela Boishakh lies in its ability to rejuvenate spirits. By fostering united joy, celebrating heritage, and promoting economic growth, it becomes a beacon of hope for Bengalis worldwide. Its connection to nature-the departure of spring-further reinforces its symbolism as a restarting season of renewal.

Notwithstanding Pohela Boishakh is not merely a festival, it is a celebration of life's perpetual cycle of renewal. It unites communities in joy and reflection while preserving Bengali identity across generations. Pohela Boishakh, therefore, is not just a celebration but a moment to reflect on the past year and welcome the new with optimism. Welcome Bangla New Year 1432.

The writer is a Teacher, Imperial Int'l School, Dhaka (IISD)



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