Sabeen Ditta
14 April 2025
UKMC Celebrates Bengali New Year! Shubho Noboborsho!
๐ Pohela Boishakh: A Joyful Journey into the Bengali New Year ๐ธ
Shubho Noboborsho! On 14th April, hearts across Bangladesh and Bengali communities around the world light up with hope, joy, and unity. It's not just the beginning of a new calendar year, it's a celebration of heritage, culture, and a collective spirit that’s vibrantly alive.
๐พ What is Pohela Boishakh?
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali: เฆชเฆนเงเฆฒเฆพ เฆฌเงเฆถเฆพเฆ) marks the first day of the Bengali calendar, known as the Bangla Noboborsho. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it’s a time when communities come together to usher in new beginnings, wash away the worries of the past, and celebrate the richness of Bengali identity.
The calendar itself was introduced during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century to streamline the collection of agricultural taxes. Since then, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural celebration that transcends religion, class, and geography.
๐ How Bangladesh Celebrates
From the bustling streets of Dhaka to peaceful village fields, Pohela Boishakh is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. Here's a glimpse of how the nation comes alive:
๐จ Mangal Shobhajatra: The Grand Procession
Organized by students of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, this colorful parade represents unity, peace, and resistance against injustice. With giant masks, traditional motifs, and folk themes, it's now recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
๐ Panta Ilish & Traditional Delights
No Boishakh is complete without Panta Ilish - fermented rice with hilsa fish, green chili, and onion. Add in sweets like pitha, doi, and roshogolla, and you’ve got a feast that reflects the essence of Bengali flavors.
๐ Red and White Attire
People wear traditional red and white clothes - sarees, panjabis, and kurta-pajamas - symbolizing purity and festivity. Women often adorn their hair with flowers, and everyone sports a cheerful smile.
๐ถ Songs, Dance & Folk Performances
From the timeless tunes of Rabindra Sangeet to local baul music, Pohela Boishakh is incomplete without cultural programs. Parks and open spaces become stages for performances, poetry, and communal celebration.
๐ A Festival of Unity
One of the most beautiful things about Pohela Boishakh is its secular nature. It brings together people of all faiths and walks of life to celebrate the shared spirit of being Bengali. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a movement of joy, resilience, and cultural pride.
โจ Looking Ahead with Hope
In a fast-paced, globalized world, Pohela Boishakh is a reminder to pause, reconnect, and rejuvenate. It’s a time to clean our homes, settle debts, start fresh, and most importantly, cherish the community and culture that shapes who we are.
So as the new year begins, let’s say together:
"Esho, he Boishakh, esho esho!"
("Come, O Boishakh, come to us!")
Let us welcome the new year with open hearts, vibrant minds, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Shubho Noboborsho 1432! ๐
May this year bring peace, prosperity, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. ๐บ
