Pohela Boishakh or the
Bengali New Year has been an integral part of Bangladesh heritage since the
Mughal rule. It is celebrated with Mongol Shovajatra, Boishakhi Mela, opening
new accounts in stores, cultural programs and much enthusiasm among people of
all religion, age and class.
Pohela Boishakh is the
first day of the first month in the Bengali calendar. This tradition was first
introduced by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Usually in Boishakh, spring harvest and
taxes were collected. Akbar wanted to combine the agricultural cycle with the
tax collection. So he called on his royal astronomer to create a harvest
calendar. This started the Bengali calendar that we use today.
It is observed as a
public holiday throughout Bangladesh. Dhaka is noted specially because of the
Mongol Shovajatra and the cultural program arranged by Chayanot in Ramna.
Mongol Shovajatra means the procession for well being. Thousands of people take
part in this procession carrying colorful masks and gigantic replicas of birds,
animals and other motifs. It is organized by the students of the Dhaka
University Faculty of Fine Arts. The first Mongol Shovajatra was observed in
1989. Students of the Faculty of Fine Arts used this procession to demonstrate
against the military regime ruling Bangladesh in that time. It represents
unity, peace and courage of the Bengalis to drive away all evils to welcome
progress. In 2016, UNESCO recognized Mongol Shovajatra as cultural heritage of
humanity.
The Ramna program
features a variety of songs and dances arranged by Chayanot, a famous cultural
organization in Bangladesh. This was first held in 1967 as a protest against
the West Pakistani oppression. This is the biggest program in Pohela Boishakh.
It starts with the traditional song of Boishakh, “Esho He Boishakh” meaning,
“Come O Boishakh”. It is sang as people welcome the new year together.
Other festivities
include “Halkhata” which means the opening of new ledger by businessmen and
clearing out old debts. They share sweets with their clients and employees.
They also decorate their stores. Women wear red and white Saree with flower
crowns on their heads and men wear Punjabi. People eat traditional foods like
Pitha, Payesh, Panta vat(watered rice) with fried Hilsha fish and green chilli.
Circuses and fairs are held in all over the country. Friends and families come
together to visit each other and celebrate. Alpona or designs are drawn in
streets, walls and in front of houses with bright colors.
However, the original
Pohela Boishakh was celebrated in a much simpler way. “Halkhata” or the opening
of new accounts was done the same way. Landowners collected taxes from the
tenants and distributed sweets. Everyone used to wear new clothes. People
enjoyed Jatra Pala (plays), bull fights and Nouka Baich (boat race).
Pohela Boishakh brings
the message to cleanse last year's remainings and to welcome the new. It unites
all the Bengalis around the world despite their religion, gender, age, caste or
creed. It reminds us of our roots and identity. It represents our unity and
pride as a Bangladeshi. With a reflection of age-old tradition, Pohela Boishakh
brings hope and promises for a new brighter year.
Shuvo Noboborsho!
Author: Jeba Anika Paula
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