Bengali Pohela Boishakh, also known as Bengali New Year, is a cultural festival celebrated in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. This festival is significant for the Bengali people as it marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar year. In this research paper, I will be conducting an ethnographic study of the Bengali Pohela Boishakh subculture.
During Pohela Boishakh, people engage in various activities to celebrate the occasion in lite vocabulary. Here are some details: Dressing up: People wear colorful traditional outfits like saris, kurtas, and dhotis to showcase their cultural pride and create a festive atmosphere. Gathering with loved ones: Families and friends come together to enjoy the festivities. They visit parks, cultural events, and community gatherings to celebrate as a group. Enjoying music and dance: Folk dances like Jhumur and Baul, accompanied by lively music, bring joy and entertainment to the celebration. People clap, dance, and sing along to the tunes. Tasting traditional delicacies: Special foods are prepared, such as Panta Bhat (fermented rice), Hilsa fish, and various sweets. People savor these delicious dishes, symbolizing prosperity and abundance for the coming year. Participating in processions: The Mangal Shobhajatra procession takes place, where people march together with colorful banners and symbols to express solidarity and raise awareness about social issues. Shopping at fairs: Street fairs and markets spring up during Pohela Boishakh, offering a wide array of goods, including clothes, handicrafts, and traditional artifacts. People enjoy browsing and purchasing items. Exchanging greetings: People greet each other with enthusiasm, saying “Shubho Noboborsho” or “Happy New Year” to spread joy and good wishes among family, friends, and neighbors. Engaging in cultural programs: Various cultural events, such as music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions, are organized to showcase the talents of artists and celebrate Bengali culture. These activities create a lively and festive ambiance, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration during Pohela Boishakh. During Pohela Boishakh, people dress in traditional attire that represents their cultural identity and pride. Women adorn themselves in vibrant and intricately designed saris, while men opt for traditional kurta and pajama or dhoti. These colorful garments and traditional textiles serve as visual expressions of Bengali heritage, fostering a sense of unity among participants.
To conduct this study, I will be using ethnographic research methods. Ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves observing and interacting with people in their natural settings. I will be attending Bengali Pohela Boishakh events and observing the behavior and interactions of the participants. I will also be conducting interviews with participants to understand their beliefs, values, and experiences related to the festival.
Last week it happened on our campus Bengali Happy new year 1430. I am also part that community. Based on my observations and interviews, I found that Bengali Pohela Boishakh is an important festival for the Bengali community. I am also Bengali, so I know that. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, and people from all walks of life participate in the festivities. The festival is a symbol of cultural identity and solidarity for Bengalis all over the world.

One of the most significant aspects of Bengali Pohela Boishakh is the food. Traditional Bengali cuisine is an essential part of the festival, and people prepare and share traditional dishes with friends and family. Street vendors also sell a variety of food items, such as pitha (rice cakes) and fuchka (a type of street food).

Another important aspect of the festival is the attire. People dress up in traditional Bengali clothes, such as saris and dhotis, and wear accessories like bangles, necklaces, and earrings. The traditional attire adds to the festive atmosphere and creates a sense of cultural unity. The festival also includes various cultural activities, such as music, dance, and art. People gather to listen to traditional Bengali music, and local artists perform traditional dances. Art exhibitions and fairs are also a part of the festival, where local artists showcase their work. Finally, Bengali Pohela Boishakh is a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture. Families and friends gather to share food and participate in cultural activities. The festival provides a sense of belonging and cultural identity to the Bengali community.

During Pohela Boishakh, people dress in traditional attire that represents their cultural identity and pride. Women adorn themselves in vibrant and intricately designed saris, while men opt for traditional kurta and pajama or dhoti. These colorful garments and traditional textiles serve as visual expressions of Bengali heritage, fostering a sense of unity among participants. One of the remarkable aspects of Pohela Boishakh is the colorful and distinctive attire worn by participants. Sunita shared that women typically dress in a traditional sari known as the “shari” or “Tangail sari,” which is renowned for its vibrant patterns and rich colors. Men often opt for the traditional “Panjabi” or “Kurta,” paired with the “Dhoti” or “Pyjama.” The significance of this attire lies in its connection to Bengali heritage, representing pride in one’s cultural roots.
To gain insights into the festival, we spoke with Sunita, a participant who shared her experiences of Pohela Boishakh. According to Sunita, the festival holds a special place in her heart as it allows her to reconnect with her Bengali roots. She highlighted how the vibrant colors of the traditional attire and the mouthwatering delicacies create a festive atmosphere that brings people together in joy and celebration. Sunita also emphasized how Pohela Boishakh fosters a sense of community and belonging, enabling people to appreciate their shared cultural heritage.
Scholars have studied Pohela Boishakh extensively, recognizing its significance in preserving Bengali cultural heritage. Dr. Aparna Banerji, an anthropologist, highlights how the festival serves as a platform for cultural transmission and intergenerational bonding. Through the celebration of Pohela Boishakh, traditions and customs are passed down from one generation to another, ensuring their preservation.
Music plays a significant role in Pohela Boishakh celebrations. “Rabindra Sangeet,” the melodious compositions of Rabindranath Tagore, fills the air with soul-stirring tunes. People engage in folk dances like “Jhumur” and “Baul” dances, expressing their joy and enthusiasm through rhythmic movements. These cultural performances create a sense of togetherness and celebration.
Rabindra Sangeet is a style of music created by Rabindranath Tagore, a famous poet and philosopher from Bengal. It consists of beautiful songs with meaningful lyrics that explore themes like love, nature, and spirituality. Rabindra Sangeet is widely loved and performed in cultural events and concerts. The music is accompanied by instruments like the harmonium and tabla, creating a rich and melodious sound. Tagore’s songs have had a significant impact on Indian classical music and continue to inspire musicians today, keeping the cultural heritage of Bengal alive.
Jhumur and Baul dances are traditional folk dances from Bengal, known for their lively and expressive movements. Jhumur dance is performed by women in a group, often accompanied by musical instruments like the ektara and dhol. It involves graceful and rhythmic steps, with dancers forming circles and swaying to the beat of the music. Jhumur dance reflects the joyous and celebratory spirit of the rural communities in Bengal. Baul dance, on the other hand, is a solo or group dance performed by the Bauls, who are mystic minstrels and wandering musicians. Baul dance is characterized by free-spirited and spontaneous movements, often accompanied by soulful singing and playing of musical instruments like the dotara and dholak. It is a spiritual and devotional dance form that conveys profound emotions and seeks to connect with the divine. Both Jhumur and Baul dances are integral parts of Bengal’s folk traditions, and they captivate audiences with their energetic performances and cultural significance. This is must need in that event.

Pohela Boishakh strengthens the bonds of community and togetherness. People come together in public spaces, such as parks or cultural venues, to participate in various activities, including music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. This shared experience fosters a sense of unity, transcending social barriers and promoting inclusivity. Pohela Boishakh brings people together by fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. The festival creates a shared experience where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate and embrace the new year. Through cultural events, music, dance, and food, Pohela Boishakh provides a platform for people to interact, connect, and appreciate their shared cultural heritage. It transcends social barriers, promotes inclusivity, and strengthens the bonds of community, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere for all. Pohela Boishakh brings people from different backgrounds together. It promotes harmony and inclusivity in the community by breaking down social barriers. People of all ages, social classes, and religions come together during the festival. It creates opportunities for cultural exchange and fosters a sense of belonging. Pohela Boishakh strengthens our shared identity and makes us feel united as a community.
Pohela Boishakh is a vibrant celebration that encapsulates the spirit of new beginnings and cultural heritage. Through its rituals, traditional attire, music, and sense of community, it brings people together to embrace the Bengali New Year with joy and optimism. This festival is a testament to the resilience, unity, and cultural richness of the Bengali community, creating lasting memories and strengthening cultural bonds.

The Indian express : Pohela Boishakh 2023: Bengali New Year Date, History, Importance and Significance (indianexpress.com)
Hindustan Times: Pohela Boishakh 2022: Know about date, history, celebrations and significance – Hindustan Times
The science survey : Pohela Boishakh: The Bengali New Year – The Science Survey
News 18 : Pohela Boishakh 2023: History, Significance, Rituals and Celebrations of Bengali New Year (news18.com)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hacking?

Hacking is the illegal manipulation or exploitation of computer systems or networks. Although there are negative connotations associated with hacking, there are some advantages and disadvantages when discussing this issue. There are three types of hacking. White hats hacker, gray hats hacker, Black hats hackers. White hats are those who hack for their company or client by asking their permission. Black hats are those who hack illegally to threaten somebody, or they steal information or steal money. And gray hats are both black and white hats. Means they hack somebody’s network or system if they have any bugs or vulnerability on their system gray hats hacker tell them.  This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hacking.

Ethical hacking, commonly referred to as “White hat” hacking, is the process of locating flaws and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to assist corporations in enhancing their security protocols. The benefits of ethical hacking include the following:

1. Proactive security: By proactively identifying vulnerabilities in a system or network, organizations can address them before they are exploited by malicious actors.
2. Cost-effective: Ethical hacking can be a cost-effective way for organizations to identify and address security issues, as it can often be less expensive than responding to a security breach.
3. Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks and industry standards require regular security testing, and ethical hacking can help organizations demonstrate compliance with their requirements.
4. Reputation: Ethical hacking can help organizations build trust with customers and partners by demonstrating a commitment to security and protecting sensitive information.
5. Continuous improvement: Ethical hacking can be used as part of a continuous improvement process, allowing organizations to continually identify and address security vulnerabilities.

They can prevent cyberattacks, safeguard personal information, improve cybersecurity, and make the internet a safer place for everyone by using their talent in finding and exploiting flaws in computer systems and networks. Ethical hackers can offer ways to strengthen security controls, lower the likelihood of successful cyberattacks, and shield individuals from the fallout of such assaults by spotting flaws in systems and networks.

Penetration testing, commonly referred to as ethical hacking, is the activity of deliberately scanning computer networks, software programs, and systems for security flaws in order to find them before bad actors can use them against you. One disadvantage of ethical hacking is the potential for unintended consequences. During the process of ethical hacking, there is a risk of accidentally causing damage or disruption of the target system or network. According to a report by Synack, a crowdsourced security platform, ethical hackers can sometimes carelessly cause system failures or data breaches while.

conducting penetration testing, leading to negative sequence for the target organization (Synack, 2017)

Hacking, which has historically been linked to illegal access and malevolent behavior, has developed into a complex phenomena with a number of subcultures that deviate from mainstream hacking culture. Subculture hacking refers to unique communities or groups of hackers who hold similar values that differ from those of traditional hacking (Johnson, 2022). In order to provide insight on the motives, pursuits, and social dynamics of hacker communities that operate outside of the mainstream hacking culture, this paper will conduct an ethnographic study of subculture hacking.

Motivations and Activities of Subculture Hackers:

Subculture hackers engage in a wide range of activities driven by diverse motivations. For some, it may be driven by a desire to challenge authority, express political dissent, or promote social justice cause (Johnson,2023). For others, it may be motivated by curiosity, technical exploration, or artistic expression, Activities of subculture hackers may include creating and distributing software tools, engaging in hacktivism or cyber protest, conducting research on vulnerabilities, and exploring informal or researching hacking techniques (Johnson,2023)

Responsible and Ethical practices: The practice of ethical hacking should keep at to responsible and ethical practices, including obtaining proper authorization, following relevant laws and regulations, protecting privacy and confidentiality, and ensuring responsible vulnerability disclosure (Smith,2023)

Ethical hacking has advantages in identifying vulnerabilities, enhancing cybersecurity defenses, and improving system security, but also comes with potential disadvantages related to legal and ethical considerations, potential misuse, and ethical dilemmas. Responsible and ethical practiced, professionalism, expertise, and collaboration are essential in the practice of ethical hacking to ensure its positive impact of cybersecurity and society as a whole(Smith,2023).

Subculture ethical hacking can offer several advantages for organizations and society. One of the primary benefits is the identification and mitigations of vulnerabilities in information systems, helping organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect sensitive data (Thomas, 2022)

Despite its potential benefits, subculture ethical hacking also has challenges and ethical concerns. One of the challenges is the legal and regulatory framework surrounding ethical hacking, which can vary across jurisdictions and may be uncertain in some case (Thomas, 2022).

A complicated environment with benefits and drawbacks is presented by the subculture of ethical hacking. It can be advantageous in that it can help with the development of secure software, discover vulnerabilities, and promote responsible disclosure, but it also presents difficulties and ethical dilemmas.

Source: “5 Advantages of Ethical Hacking”, by Amanada Kondolojy, Business News Daily, March 11, 2020.

Source:

Synack. (2017). The 2017 Synack Ethical Hacker Report. Retrieved from https://info.synack.com/rs/958-PSG-442/images/Synack%202017%20Ethical%20Hacker%20Report.pdf

Source: Johnson, A. (2023). Exploring subculture hacking: An Ethnographic Study of Hacker Communities. Journal of Subversive Cybercultures, 15(2), 78-101.

Source: Smith, J.(2023). Ethical hacking: advantages, Disadvantages, and implications for Cybersecurity Research, 10(1), 45-67

Source: Thomas, S. (2022). The Ethics of Hacking: Examining the Subculture of Ethical Hackers. International Journal of Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, 5(2), 78-94.

            We together went to the library to take interview each other. We take our interview in Nac Library at 4^th fl.

My classmate  Daniela Santamaria was born here. And her parents are from me Mexico. First time she went there when she was 9 years old. I asked her about how she felt when she went first time in Mexico and what was the people’s reaction when they saw her. She told me when she first time went there, she was happy. Her mother didn’t expect that she will be different than their culture because her mom raised her in Mexican culture. She felt that they do more hard work than others. There people welcomed her so nicely because somebody came from abroad. Different cultures different languages for her everything was different, but she loved that and enjoyed that. kids used to always with her because she was a little different from them. I also asked about her if their culture allow love marriage or if they trust on arrange marriage. She said back to her grandmother’s time they trust little bit of arrange marriage. Nowadays if someone likes agirl, he has talk with her parents. If parents accept him, they can get married. She said it is customary in their culture that girls cannot work outside. Most son’s families want their son’s daughter-in-law to work in the house. They want to take care of old mother and baby. She said she didn’t like it at all. She wants to be an independent girl. She wants the kind of partner who lets her work outside. Girls, like anyone else, may want to be independent for variety reasons. She wants to have control over her own life. Independence can allow a girl to make her own decisions, take responsibility for her actions, and have more control over her life. To pursue her without having to rely on anyone else to make them happen. To be financially self-sufficient, being independent can allow a girl to earn her own money and become financially self-sufficient, which can give her a sense of security and freedom. Being independent can allow a girl to have equal opportunities in life, including in education, career, and personal relationships

I asked her what makes you unique? She said, “I think the way I was raised sets me apart from a lot of people but it also bring me closer to those that shared a similar upbringing to me.” Effective communication is essential in building a strong relationship with a friend. Make sure you communicate openly and honestly with your friend, share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and listen to their perspective. Sharing experiences with your friend is a great way to strengthen your bond. Find common interests and activities that you both enjoy and make time to do them together. Supporting your friend through both good and challenging times is critical in developing a unique relationship. Be there for them when they need you and offer words of encouragement and guidance. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. Building trust involves being dependable, keeping confidences, and demonstrating integrity.

“For example, I could not relate those parents who were so easy going growing up with a Hispanic tiger mom, who grew up in even more strict conditions was difficult, other kids were able to go out as they wanted and hang out with their friends, but I had a strict curfew and has to be specific of what I was doing and where I was going, but my mom always reminded me that every action has a consequence.”

I asked her what make you stand out? She said confidence, personality, style makes me stand out. A girl who exudes confidence and self-assurance is sure to attract attention. Confidence can be demonstrated through body language, communication, and assertiveness. A girl with a unique and engaging personality is sure to stand out from the crowd. A sense of humor, kindness, and intelligence can all be attractive qualities. Dressing well and having a unique sense of style can make a girl stand out. This can include fashion sense, makeup, and hairstyle.

I asked her what is your core identity? She said personality, values and beliefs, passions and interests, relationships and connections, life experiences. These can include characteristics such as being introverted or extroverted, outgoing or reserved, empathetic or analytical, and many more. These can include moral or ethical beliefs, spiritual or religious beliefs, and beliefs about the world and the people in it. These can include hobbies, creative pursuits, and areas of study or professional interest. These can include family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, and connections to broader social or cultural communities. These can include formative experiences such as travel, education, career or personal successes and challenges.

We recorded our each other’s interview so we can hear it later and work on our essay. But she was more confident than me.

Culture encompasses the ways of life of a group of people, including their language, religion, art, music, cuisine, dress, and social habits. Culture is a learned behavior that is transmitted from one generation to another through socialization, and it shapes the way people think, act, and interact with each other. It can also vary from region to region, country to country, and even within different sub-groups of a society. Culture is an essential aspect of human life as it provides a sense of identity, belonging, and meaning to individuals and communities. Personal artifacts are Individual identity, styles, hobbies, clothing tending to be defined from your birth. Cultural artifacts are those that did not come from nature. I can say drawing and watching cartoons are my personal artifacts. I have spent most of my life watching cartoons and drawing pictures. Painting has taught me many things. Such as the colors of nature and the culture of my country. From childhood we learn what we see from the people around us. We learn culture from them. None of us are born with culture. We are born into a culture. We get the idea of ​​living and learn the culture by living with the people around us. We can get the touch of culture in many ways like television, relatives, friends, teachers. I have a special love for culture since childhood.

I love watching cartoons since I was 6 years old. I used to watch so many cartoons that I learned foreign languages ​​by watching cartoons. Since then, my interest in drawing grew. And as I slowly grow up, I learn drawing by myself. And in my spare time I used to draw. I continued to participate in my school’s drawing competition. I had a lot of fun drawing. When I wasn’t feeling well, drawing would make me feel better. I used to get upset when it rained outside on the off day. Because I couldn’t go outside to play. At that time only drawing that made me feel good. My mind changed after a while like nature since childhood. But I wasn’t afraid of it anymore because when I painted, I got lost in it.  And chose drawing as my hobby. I used to draw and collect them with me. Whenever I liked, I used to draw and keep it for myself. When I wanted to buy something, my father would not buy it, I would draw a picture of it and keep it with myself. I used to draw different types of weather scenes, draw pictures of my toys, draw cartoons. Although in the beginning I could not draw well but slowly my drawing started to be attractive. This will seem time waste to many. But I felt that drawing was increasing my common sense and I was becoming more creative. When guests came to my house, I used to show them my drawings. They appreciated me a lot. Their kids wanted to draw like me. I used to arrange my drawings in my own bedroom. There was a window in my room, and I used to draw by sitting next to that window. I would sit there and draw pictures of the environment. One thing I have noticed is that drawing makes the brain more creative.

I still like cartoons. So, I want to make cartoons myself. And I am now learning to make animation videos. When my friends invite me to hangout, maximum time I don’t go, I draw or make animation videos. Although I don’t think of drawing or animation as my career, it’s just my hobby or artifact. My friends think I collected my old drawings like a child. But I want to keep them as my memories. And some of my friends like them a lot. And I sometimes draw them in my spare time. My family members inspire me to draw. Although now I don’t get the chance to draw like before. But when there is nothing to do, then animation video or drawing. Now no one will like these drawings because after a certain age people only look at careers no one cares about memories, hobbies or artifacts. But I will keep them as my childhood memories for the rest of my life. When my grandchildren will see my drawings, they may not have a drawing culture, they will enjoy these old drawings.

Bangladesh is a diverse country. And my childhood and adolescence were spent there. Bangladesh is a festive country. Bangladesh has a huge amount of different culture. Although it is a Muslim country, there are ethnic differences here. And among so many cultures, drawing has been an important culture of Bangladesh for many years. And painting has been popular for ages among the people of Bangladesh. Bengali New Year is called Pahela Baisakh. In this Pahela Boishakh, small and big fairs are held in every district of Bangladesh. Many creative artists will meet in that fair.  I was amazed to see them draw so fast and so perfectly. When I was a child, I used to go to fairs with my father and draw pictures of myself by them. I wish I could draw like them. However, these cultures are slowly disappearing nowadays. Which is very disappointing.

Since childhood till now my hobbies have changed many artifacts have changed. I still haven’t forgotten the drawing. And probably I will never forget in the future. I am looking through my collection and I see the drawing, the memories come flooding back from where I did draw this picture.

In conclusion I would like to say that drawing made my childhood very beautiful. The days of that time were spent in great joy.

 

Final Reflection

In the social science class, I have learned a great deal and grown as a student. I have gained a deeper understanding of how society functions and the factors that shape human behavior.

Through the course, I have developed critical thinking skills and learned to analyze information and data. I have also improved my research skills, including finding reliable sources and evaluating their credibility.

The class discussions and activities have provided opportunities to engage with different perspectives and learn from my classmates. I have gained a better appreciation for diversity and the various social issues that exist.

While I have made progress, there is still more to explore and understand in the field of social science. I want to continue expanding my knowledge and exploring new areas of research.

Overall, this class has been valuable in broadening my understanding of the social world and equipping me with skills that can be applied in various aspects of life. I am grateful for the knowledge and experiences gained in this course, and I am excited to continue my journey in social science.