Smita Diwan
Pohela Boishakh or the Bengali New Year is celebrated on the 14th and sometimes on the 15th of April of the English calendar. It is also celebrated in the sates of Assam, Odisha, Tripura and Jharkhand. People of Bangladesh also celebrate their New Year on this day. The ancient Bengalm ruler King Shoshanko is credited with the starting of the new Bengali ear. His kingdom included areas of Odisha, Assam, parts of Bihar and Bangladesh.
Pohela Boishakh celebrations
The day begins with the Probhat Pheri which is procession that goes to the major landmarks of the city. The women folk accompanied by children and men take part in the procession. Songs, dances and recitations are performed while the procession moves forward. For the Bengali businessmen this is the day when they open their new book of accounts, the Hal Khata. The Government of West Bengal organises various cultural fairs on this occasion. The Bangla Sangit Mela is held every year at the Nandan auditorium.
Pohela Boishakh puja
The Bengalis offer pujas to the Gods they worship. However, majority of the population offer their pujas to Goddess Kali at the Kalighat temple.
Pohela Boishakh foods
The dishes enjoyed by Bengalis especially on this occasion of Pohela Boishakh are bhaja muger dal (dal made out roasted mung), pulao (which is rice cooked with raisins and cashew nuts and in which a sweet taste dominates), kosha mangsho (meat cooked dry with tomatoes, onions, garlic and various other spices), chutney, mishit doi (sweet curd) and roshogollas (white spongy sweets).
Pohela Boishakh new purchases
Metal items of gold and silver are bought by people during this day of Pohela Boishakh. Other new purchases involve new clothing, linen, utensils, carpets, cushions, wall decoration pieces etc.
Pohela Boishakh is again a time when friends and relatives visit each other’s places. Exchange of sweets and greetings is seen to wipe all disagreements and differences.
