Pahela Baishakh also known as The Bengali New Year is celebrated on the 14th of April every year. 

It is a day of colour, festivity, and joy. School’s, college’s, and different cultural organizations set up different events and programs. 

On the morning of Pahela Baishakh people cook a Bengali staple known as “Panta Bhaat”. It is typically soaked rice which is fermented overnight. It is eaten with fried fish called “Shorshe illish” or Bengali styled mashed potatoes, “Aloo bhorta” 

While Panta Bhaat remains the staple dish, there are several other traditional dishes. Sweets such as “Mishti doi” which is sweet yogurt and “Chaler payesh” also known as rice pudding are made as well. 

Various fairs and parades take place on this day. Oftentimes in rural villages, puppet shows are held with folk music known as Baul, Marfati, and Murshidi. 

Different stalls sell traditional items like pottery, handloom products, and street food. These fairs are often called “Baishakhi Mela”.

Artists from Chhayanaut, an institute dedicated to the Bengali culture sing various songs and poems of renowned Bengali artists. 

Every year an annual mass procession, known as “Mangal Shobhajatra”, organized by the department of Fine Arts of Dhaka University is one of the main attractions of the day. 

Teachers and students create paper mache and balloon replicas of birds, fish, and bengali folk tale characters. 

This day is also a day where vibrant fashion comes to life. People wear red, yellow, white, orange, and many other coloured clothing to stand out. 

Women wear traditional clothes called “saree” and “salwar kameez”. They wear glass bangles and flowers on their hair to match the theme of the day. 

Men wear clothes known as “punjabi” or “kurta”. These clothes often come with different patterns hand-made or printed on them. 

It also marks a great significance for rural businessmen. Haal khata is a festival celebrated on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh in order to complete all the account reckonings of the last year and open a new ledger. Haal khata signifies a new beginning and joy for shopkeepers. 

Bengali New Year reminds Bengali’s of their roots, culture, and heritage. It is celebrated by people of all religions over Bangladesh and West Bengal. 

Pahela Baishakh is not only about food, fashion, or gifts. It is more about celebrating and remembering roots and the history of the Bengal region.