Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Latest Updates
-
Bharti Singh Welcomes Second Son: Joyous News for the Comedian and Her Family -
Gold & Silver Rates Today in India: 22K, 24K, 18K & MCX Prices Fall After Continuous Rally; Check Latest Gold Rates in Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad & Other Cities on 19 December -
Nick Jonas Dancing to Dhurandhar’s “Shararat” Song Goes Viral -
From Consciousness To Cosmos: Understanding Reality Through The Vedic Lens -
The Sunscreen Confusion: Expert Explains How to Choose What Actually Works in Indian Weather -
On Goa Liberation Day 2025, A Look At How Freedom Shaped Goa Into A Celebrity-Favourite Retreat -
Daily Horoscope, Dec 19, 2025: Libra to Pisces; Astrological Prediction for all Zodiac Signs -
Paush Amavasya 2025: Do These Most Powerful Rituals For Closure On The Final Amavasya Of The Year -
As The Last New Moon Of 2025 Approaches, Make A Wish Based On Your Rising Sign -
Throwback Thursday: This Aishwarya Rai Lookalike Had A 'Lucky' Debut But Not So Lucky Bollywood Career!
Pohela Boishakh 2025 In India And Bangladesh : One Festival, Two Calendars
As the clock strikes a new dawn on April 15, 2025, the Bengali community across the world comes together to celebrate Pohela Boishakh, ushering in the year 1432 of the Bengali calendar. But this day is not just another date in the calendar; it's a vibrant expression of hope, heritage, and harmony. So, what makes Pohela Boishakh such a meaningful occasion for millions? Let's find out!
What Is Pohela Boishakh And When Is It Celebrated?
Pohela Boishakh, also known as Naba Barsha, marks the first day of Boishakh, the initial month of the Bengali calendar. In 2025, this festival is celebrated today, on Tuesday, April 15 in India, while Bangladesh will observe it a day earlier, on April 14. The date varies slightly in India due to the traditional calendar's reliance on the solar zodiac, whereas Bangladesh follows a fixed reform calendar introduced in 1987.
How Do People Celebrate Pohela Boishakh?
The day begins with cleansing rituals-both literal and spiritual. People clean their homes, dress in new clothes, and visit temples to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. In the business world, Haal Khata (new ledger books) are opened after performing pujas to welcome prosperity and mark a fresh financial beginning.
Cultural programs featuring folk music, dance, and fairs light up the day across towns and villages. The shared sense of celebration is especially vibrant in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh, where the festival cuts across religious and social lines.
What Role Does Mesha Sankranti Play?
At the heart of Pohela Boishakh lies Mesha Sankranti, the astrological event when the sun enters the Aries sign (Mesha Rashi). In 2025, this moment occurs at 3:30 AM on April 14, symbolizing nature's renewal and setting the stage for the New Year. This alignment with the sun's journey underscores the agricultural and spiritual roots of the festival.
What's the Origin Of The Bengali Calendar?
The Bengali calendar, or Bangabda, has ancient roots, traditionally traced to 594 CE during the rule of King Shashanka of ancient Bengal. While direct evidence is scarce, early references to the calendar appear in temples over a thousand years old in the Bankura district.
A major transformation occurred under Emperor Akbar, who commissioned astronomer Amir Fatehullah Shirazi to blend the lunar Hijri calendar with the solar Hindu calendar. The result was the "harvest calendar," aligning tax collection with the agrarian cycle and using Sanskrit month names like Boishakh.
Why Is There A Difference In Dates Between India And Bangladesh?
The discrepancy in Pohela Boishakh's date arises from differences in how the calendar is observed:
In Bangladesh, a revised calendar introduced in 1987 ensures that Pohela Boishakh always falls on April 14. The year begins with five months of 31 days, followed by seven months of 30 days, with leap years adjusting Falgun.
In India, particularly West Bengal, the traditional calendar is closely tied to Hindu festivals and solar calculations. This results in a shifting date either April 14 or 15.
How Is Pohela Boishakh Celebrated Across Regions?
Though rooted in Bengal, Pohela Boishakh is embraced widely:
- In West Bengal, processions like Mangal Shobhajatra, cultural fairs, and family gatherings are central.
- In Bangladesh, it holds the status of a national holiday and symbolizes cultural unity beyond religious affiliations.
- In Assam, the celebration overlaps with Bihu, showcasing shared seasonal joy among communities.
Why Does Pohela Boishakh Still Matter Today?
Pohela Boishakh stands as a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of a community that honors its roots while looking ahead with hope. As people greet one another with "Shubho Noboborsho" (Happy New Year) and come together across borders, it highlights the beauty of cultural continuity amidst change.
A Celebration That Transcends Time
Whether celebrated on April 14 in Dhaka or April 15 in Kolkata, the spirit of Pohela Boishakh remains the same - hope, unity, and new beginnings. As we step into the year 1432, let's carry forward the joy, strength, and cultural pride that this day inspires.
Shubho Noboborsho!
Continue with Google