PAWHELA BOISHAKH

Pawhela Boishakh, or the Bengali New Year, is the one of most important celebrations in Bengali society for both Hindus and Muslims. The day is celebrated with much pomp and fanfair. The Bengali New Year begins at dawn, and the day is marked with singing, processions, and fairs. Traditionally, businesses start this day with a new ledger, clearing out the old. Faits and festivals are held all over the country, where singers sing traditional songs welcoming the new year. Food vendors sell traditional foods and artisans sell traditional handicrafts.

The Bengali Calendar, or Tarikh-e-Elahi is based on ancient sub-continental calendars which was codified and standardized by the Mughal Emperor Akbar about 6 centuries ago. The calendar is a solar one which is composed of six seasons that revolve around the region's agricultural cycle.

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