Pohela Boishakh, also known as Bengali New Year, marks the beginning of the traditional Bengali calendar. In 2025, Pohela Boishakh will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15, welcoming the Bengali year 1432.
The Sankranti moment, which signifies the Sun’s entry into the Mesha Rashi (Aries), will take place at 3:30 AM on April 14, 2025. This astronomical event is the basis for the celebration of Mesha Sankranti, which is observed as Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal and neighbouring regions.
| Event | Date and Time |
| Bengali Era | 1432 Begins |
| Pohela Boishakh | Tuesday, April 15, 2025 |
| Sankranti Moment | 03:30 AM, Apr 14, Pohela Boishakh |
Pohela Boishakh, or Naba Barsha (নববর্ষ), is the first day of the Bengali calendar. The word ‘Pohela’ means first, and ‘Boishakh’ is the name of the first month of the Bengali year. This vibrant celebration marks a fresh start, filled with prayers, cultural events, and festive gatherings.
Where is it Celebrated?
Pohela Boishakh is widely celebrated in West Bengal, and among Bengali communities in Assam, Tripura, and Bangladesh. In Assam, it coincides with Bihu, which is the Assamese New Year and is equally vibrant in spirit and tradition.
Historical Background
The origin of the Bengali calendar dates back to the reign of King Shoshangko, a ruler of ancient Bengal. It is believed that he introduced the Bengali era, which began in 594 CE (Common Era) according to the Gregorian calendar.
Due to this calculation:
Before Pohela Boishakh: Bengali Year = Gregorian Year – 594
After Pohela Boishakh: Bengali Year = Gregorian Year – 593
Thus, in 2025, after Pohela Boishakh, the new Bengali year will be 1432.
Significance and Rituals
Pohela Boishakh is not just a change in calendar but a deeply spiritual and cultural event. On this day, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and visit temples to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Shopkeepers and businesses start new accounting books, known as Haal Khata, after offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Cultural fairs, traditional music, dance, and feasting are all part of the celebration. In Bangladesh, it is also a national holiday and a day of unity for all Bengali-speaking communities.!
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