Mesha Sankranti,is celebrated as Naba Barsha or Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal.Pohela Boishakh is the first day of the Bengali Calendar, hence it is also known as Bengali New Year and is celebrated in West Bengal and among Bengali communities in Odisha,Assam and Tripura.
In Assam, it is celebrated as Bihu and also known as Assamese New Year.The term “Pohela Boishakh” stands for the first day of the Bengali year and naturally refers to the festivity attached to this day as well. The celebration itself is called “Borsho Boron Utsab” or “Boishakhi Utsab” (the gala of Boishakh) which is held to welcome the Nobo Borsho (New Year).
Origin:
The origin of Pohela Boishakh has many versions, however, they all go back to Akbar the Great and the tax colleting process under his reign (1556-1609). In Bengal, the agriculture revolved around its six seasons. But the tax was collected on the basis of Arabic year that did not exactly coincide with the seasonal cycle of this region. Realizing the urgency of reformation the emperor asked Fatelluah Shiraji to make the necessary amendments.
In the West Bengal, Bengali New Year celebration has ties to religious values as the entire month of Boishakh is considered auspicious. Therefore, the first day by itself is reason enough for festivity. For the Hindu, the day begins with Puja followed by cultural shows. Because of its being considered auspicious, Boishakh is the month when most Hindu weddings take place.
By:Archa Dave
