Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended heartfelt wishes to the Bengali community across the globe on the occasion of Poila Boishakh, marking the beginning of the Bengali New Year 1432.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote:
“Best wishes on Poila Boishakh! I hope all your wishes are fulfilled this year. I pray for everyone’s success, happiness, prosperity and good health. Shubho Nabo Barsho!”
Poila Boishakh, which literally translates to the “first day of the month Boishakh,” is a significant cultural and religious festival celebrated by Bengalis around the world. It signifies new beginnings, both spiritually and economically, and is especially meaningful in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, and Bangladesh.
Traditionally, homes are cleaned and decorated with alpana—intricate patterns made with rice paste—to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. People don new clothes, visit temples, and pray for a year full of prosperity and good fortune.
The festival also marks a new financial year for many traders, who begin new account books, known as ‘Haal Khata’, with Lakshmi-Narayan and Ganesh puja. Priests draw Swastik symbols in vermillion to bring divine blessings for business success.
Restaurants, especially in Kolkata, offer festive menus featuring traditional Bengali cuisine, including dishes like Shorshe Ilish, Mishti Doi, and Payesh, turning the day into a gastronomic celebration.
Poila Boishakh is not just a calendar event but a vibrant expression of Bengali identity, uniting people across borders in shared heritage and joy.