About Pohela Boishakh
Pohela Boishakh, also called Naba Barsha, is the Bengali New Year, falling on the first day of the month of Boishakh in mid-April. It is celebrated in West Bengal, Tripura, Bangladesh and by Bengalis worldwide with new clothes, music, food and fresh account books.
Pohela Boishakh means "the first of Boishakh", the opening month of the Bengali calendar. The calendar has long been tied to the agricultural year and the harvest, and the new year has traditionally been a time to settle old accounts and begin afresh. Today it is one of the biggest cultural celebrations for Bengali people, shared by families of different faiths.
How it is marked
People wake early, bathe, wear new clothes, often in red and white, and visit elders to seek blessings. Many families visit temples, and homes are decorated with alpana, the traditional floor art. Festive meals feature dishes such as luchi, fish curry, pulao and plenty of mishti.
For traders, the day is known for Haal Khata. Shopkeepers open a new account book, often after a small puja, and invite regular customers for sweets and to clear old dues. In Kolkata, long queues form at temples such as Kalighat and Dakshineswar as business owners bring their new ledgers to be blessed.
Cultural programmes, early morning processions and songs, including Tagore's songs welcoming Boishakh, are a big part of the day in West Bengal, Tripura and Bangladesh, where colourful processions are held in Dhaka and other cities.
What to write
Wish the person joy and prosperity, and a reference to food, music or family always feels right.
- Shubho Noboborsho! Save me a plate of luchi and whatever mishti Mashima made this year.
- Wishing you a lovely Pohela Boishakh, Dada. Hope the new khata brings the shop a very good year.
- Missing the Rabindrasangeet mornings back home. Shubho Noboborsho to you and everyone there.
How to wish someone on Pohela Boishakh
joy, prosperity and good food shared with family, with a warm Shubho Noboborsho
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + regional language.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Happy New Year in Bengali?
The usual greeting is "Shubho Noboborsho", which means Happy New Year. It is exchanged with family, friends and colleagues on Pohela Boishakh.
What is Haal Khata?
Haal Khata is the tradition of opening a new account book on Pohela Boishakh. Traders often hold a small puja, close old accounts and welcome customers with sweets.
Why is Pohela Boishakh sometimes on different days in India and Bangladesh?
Bangladesh uses a revised Bengali calendar that fixes the new year on 14 April. In West Bengal and other Indian states, the date follows the traditional almanac, so it usually falls on 14 or 15 April.
When is Pohela Boishakh in 2026?
Pohela Boishakh 2026 falls on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
What is Pohela Boishakh?
Pohela Boishakh, also called Naba Barsha, is the Bengali New Year, falling on the first day of the month of Boishakh in mid-April. It is celebrated in West Bengal, Tripura, Bangladesh and by Bengalis worldwide with new clothes, music, food and fresh account books.
Who celebrates Pohela Boishakh?
Pohela Boishakh is observed in the Hinduism/Secular tradition. It is especially observed in East India.
Is Pohela Boishakh a public holiday?
Holiday status for Pohela Boishakh varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on Pohela Boishakh?
Focus on joy, prosperity and good food shared with family, with a warm shubho noboborsho. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated Pohela Boishakh card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .