If you are in Bengal at the time of mid April, you will hear
people wishing each other "
Shubo Nabo Barsho". It is
celebrated as a Bengali New Year. This festival usually falls in the
month of April which is the month of Baisakh, first month of Bengali New
Year. The festival of Nabo Barsha was introduced was the great Mughal
emperor, Akbar.
This festival is celebrated with great deal of enthusiasm and energy
not only by the people of Bengal but also by the Tribal people in hilly
areas. For them, it is the time to say adieu to the past year and
welcome New Year by following religious norms.
Nabo Barsho Traditions and Customs
Almost all Bengalis decorate their houses with fresh flowers and draw
rangolis in front of the entrance door. Rangolis are usually made of
colored rice and it is known as "
Alpana". An earthen
pot bearing the symbol of Swastika is kept in the middle of rangoli. It
is believed to bring in wealth and symbolizes a prosperous New Year.
Nabo Barsho Celebrations
On this day, women wear traditional Red and White Sari while men wear
dhoti kurta to take part in the early morning processions called
Prabhat
Pheries. Some even go to the nearby river for a holy dip. It is said
water of the river washes away all the sins.
After this idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi are worshiped for
the well-being and longevity of the family members. Praying to the
clouds for water is another popular ritual of the Bengali New Year. As
per the tradition, people are supposed to pay off all the loans and old
dues with the customers are to be settled. On this day, Bengali
businessmen purchase new accounts books and prepare new accounts called
as
Haalkhata.
At some places, people also perform dances, sing songs or recite
Bengali Nabo Barsho poems. Amidst all feasting, food is the main focus.
