Bengali New Year's Day 2025

Description

Bengali New Year is called Pohela Boishakh. It is the first day of the Bengali calendar. People in Bangladesh celebrate with joy, music, dances, parades and special foods.

It usually takes place on 14 April every year. Schools, offices and banks close for the public holiday. Streets fill with colorful clothes, fairs and market stalls.

The day is important because it marks new beginnings. Farmers welcome a new season. Businesses start fresh accounts. Families clean homes and wear new clothes to bring luck and hope for the year ahead.

A famous part of the celebration is the Mangal Shobhajatra parade. It is a large cultural procession that shows unity and tradition.

Traditions

Bengali New Year, called Pohela Boishakh, is celebrated on April 14 or 15. People wear new clothes and visit friends and family. Streets fill with music, colorful processions, and folk dances.

Families prepare festive meals with rice, lentils, fish, and sweets like piyaji and roshogolla. Many start the day with a special sweet drink called doi or misti doi. Shops open after an early ritual called haal khata where merchants clean old ledgers and invite customers for new business.

Public events include fairs, concerts, and poetry readings. In rural areas people decorate homes with alpana floor art and celebrate with village songs. Cities host large parades that mix traditional and modern performances.

Travel Tips

Bengali New Year is festive. Expect government offices and many banks to be closed. Some shops may open late. Cities have colorful parades, fairs, music and family gatherings. Major roads and trains can be very busy as people travel home.

To enjoy safely, book transport and hotels early. Carry cash and ID because banks close. Join public events respectfully, dress modestly, and stay with a buddy in crowds. Keep water, use official taxis, and protect valuables to have a meaningful holiday experience.