Poila Baisakh, also known as the Bengali New Year, is one of the most joyful and important festivals in West Bengal and Bangladesh. This special day marks the beginning of a new year in the Bengali calendar, usually celebrated on April 14 or 15.
The story of Poila Baisakh goes back to the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Farmers faced problems paying taxes on time. To fix this, Akbar introduced a new calendar with the help of scholar Fathullah Shirazi. This calendar matched the harvest season and made life easier. Since then, the first day of the Bengali year became a day of new beginnings and happiness.
As the sun rises on Poila Baisakh, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare special food. Families visit temples to pray for good luck, success, and peace. The aroma of traditional Bengali dishes like ilish maach (hilsa fish) and sweets fills the air. It is a day to forget the past and welcome the future with hope.
Shopkeepers also celebrate this day in a special way. They start a new accounting book called Haal Khata. Customers are invited, offered sweets, and blessings are exchanged for a successful business year. This ritual is believed to bring wealth and good fortune.
The streets come alive with colorful melas (fairs), cultural programs, and music. People sing Rabindra Sangeet, children enjoy toys and rides, and families come together to enjoy the festive mood.
Poila Baisakh is not just a date on the calendar. It is a celebration of culture, tradition, togetherness, and new beginnings. It brings people closer and reminds them that every year is a chance to start fresh.
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FAQs about Poila Baisakh
1. What is Poila Baisakh and why is it important?
Poila Baisakh is the Bengali New Year. It is important as it marks new beginnings and celebrates Bengali culture and tradition.
2. When is Poila Baisakh celebrated?
Poila Baisakh is usually celebrated on April 14 or 15 every year.
3. What is the meaning of Haal Khata?
Haal Khata is a new account book opened by shopkeepers on Poila Baisakh to mark the start of a fresh business year.
4. How do people celebrate Poila Baisakh?
People celebrate with prayers, new clothes, traditional food, visiting fairs, and cultural programs.
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