Come, O Boishakh, come, come…
Today is the 1st of Boishakh.
Poila Boishakh is not only celebrated in West Bengal, but also in Assam, Tripura, and the neighboring country Bangladesh. According to the Bengali calendar, there are 12 months, and today is the first day of the first month, Boishakh. Bengalis all over the world will celebrate in their own spirit today.
Today, we Bengalis will wake up late since it's a holiday, have brunch instead of breakfast, spend the day in a relaxed mood, apply neem leaves and turmeric before bathing, enjoy a hearty lunch with family, take an afternoon nap, go out घूमতে in the evening, and return home for dinner.
According to the Hindu solar calendar, the Bengali (Hindu) society has been observing 12 months in a year since ancient times. The month of Boishakh is named after the star "Vishakha," which is believed to be positioned close to the sun during this time.
Today is 1st Boishakh, 1429 Bengali Era.
There are two prevalent theories regarding the origin of the Bengali calendar. According to one, King Shashanka of ancient Bengal (Gauda), who ruled approximately between 590–625 AD, introduced the Bengali calendar. It is believed that the Bengali era began on Thursday, 18 March 594 (Julian calendar) or Saturday, 20 March 594 (Gregorian calendar).
Another theory links the Bengali New Year with the Mughal period. During the Mughal Empire, the Hijri calendar (lunar calendar) was followed, and taxes were collected based on it. However, since the lunar year is about 11–12 days shorter than the solar year (354 vs 365 days), it caused problems for agriculture, which depends on seasons. Farmers were forced to pay taxes even when crops were not ready, leading to hardship.
To solve this, Emperor Akbar instructed his court astronomer, Amir Fathullah Shirazi, to combine the lunar Hijri calendar with the solar Hindu calendar. Thus, a new calendar was created in 1584, called "Tarikh-e-Ilahi" or "Ilahi Era."
According to this system, all dues had to be cleared by the last day of Chaitra. Those unable to pay were punished severely, sometimes tied and spun on a Charak pole—a practice that continued until 1890.
After settling dues, landowners would celebrate the first day of Boishakh by treating farmers and locals with sweets and organizing festivities. Over time, this day evolved into a cultural celebration.
Poila Boishakh is observed every year on April 14 or 15, depending on the Bengali calendar. It guides many auspicious activities of Bengalis throughout the year.
On this day, many Bengali families include bitter or sour dishes in their meals. Traditionally, farmers celebrated with panta bhaat (fermented rice), fried hilsa fish, and meat.
Applying neem and turmeric before bathing and seeking blessings from elders is a widely practiced ritual. Sweets are shared in homes and business establishments.
Following Akbar's taxation system, businesses open new account books on this day, known as "Hal Khata." Traders worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, clear old dues, and offer sweets and calendars to customers.
The last day of the year is marked by Charak Puja or fairs, and the first day by Krishna worship (Goshto Utsav). Wearing traditional attire like dhoti-panjabi and saree is customary.
Families visit fairs, enjoy sweets like jalebi, goja, and fried snacks, and buy tools like knives, sickles, and farming equipment. Earthen pots, especially for saving money throughout the year, are also commonly purchased.
In 2016, UNESCO declared the festive procession organized by Dhaka University as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."
Kolkata, known as India's cultural capital, plays a major role in Poila Boishakh celebrations. Morning processions (Prabhat Pheri) are organized across neighborhoods. Shops offer "Chaitra Sale" discounts till the end of the year, encouraging people to buy new clothes.
On this day, large crowds gather at Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples. Businessmen and devotees take a dip in the Ganges, perform rituals, and seek blessings for prosperity and a fresh start.
Poila Boishakh is not just a New Year's Day—it is an emotion for Bengalis. It brings new clothes, new hopes, and a promise to move forward with loved ones while cherishing old relationships.
Only the year has changed, not the people.