BhaktiLoopBengali New Year / Bohag Bihu
Marks the first day of the Bengali and Assamese solar calendars, celebrating new beginnings, the arrival of spring, and the harvesting season. It's a day of cultural festivities, family gatherings, and traditional rituals.
Key Rituals & Practices
Cleaning and decorating homes
Wearing new clothes
Visiting temples and offering prayers
Preparing traditional sweets and dishes (e.g., Panta Bhat, Ilish Bhaja in Bengal; Pitha, Laru in Assam)
Haal Khata (opening new account books by traders in Bengal)
Cultural programs, folk music and dances (e.g., Bihu dance in Assam)
Family gatherings and exchanging greetings
Processions and fairs
Goru Bihu (worship of cattle, especially in Assam)
Smearing of turmeric and oil, taking ritualistic baths
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Starts the month of Baisakh (Bengali) / Bohag (Assamese)
Paksha
N/A (Solar event, starts new solar month)
Tithi
N/A (Solar event, starts new solar month)
Regional Relevance & Variations
West Bengal & Bangladesh: Pohela Boishakh / Naba Barsha
Assam: Bohag Bihu / Rongali Bihu
Pan-India (Similar Solar New Year Festivals): Various
Historical & Mythological Context
Primarily an agricultural and astronomical festival marking the solar new year and the arrival of spring. The Bengali calendar is often attributed to Emperor Akbar for tax collection purposes. There isn't one specific major Hindu mythological story associated with its origin, but it is deeply rooted in ancient solar calendar traditions and agricultural cycles.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Typically April 14th or 15th