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)