Bengali 2023 Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide To Festivals And Events
Introduction
Growing up in Bangladesh, I have always been fascinated by the Bengali calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar that most of the world uses, the Bengali calendar has its own set of festivals, events, and traditions. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience with the Bengali 2023 calendar and providing a detailed guide to the festivals and events that are celebrated throughout the year.
What is the Bengali Calendar?
The Bengali calendar is a solar calendar that is used in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. It is also known as the Bangla calendar or the Bengali Panjika. The calendar is based on the Hindu solar calendar and is divided into 12 months, with each month consisting of either 29 or 30 days.
What are the months in the Bengali 2023 Calendar?
The Bengali 2023 calendar starts on April 15th, 2023, and ends on April 12th, 2024. The 12 months in the Bengali 2023 calendar are as follows: 1. Boishakh (April-May) 2. Joishtho (May-June) 3. Ashar (June-July) 4. Shrabon (July-August) 5. Bhadro (August-September) 6. Ashwin (September-October) 7. Kartik (October-November) 8. Agrahayan (November-December) 9. Poush (December-January) 10. Magh (January-February) 11. Falgun (February-March) 12. Chaitra (March-April)
Festivals and Events in the Bengali 2023 Calendar
Boishakh (April-May)
The Bengali New Year, also known as “Pohela Boishakh,” is celebrated on the first day of the Boishakh month. It is a national holiday in Bangladesh and is celebrated with parades, fairs, and special foods.
Joishtho (May-June)
The Joishtho month is known for the “Nabanna” festival, which celebrates the harvesting of new crops. This festival is celebrated with traditional foods, music, and dance.
Ashar (June-July)
The Ashar month is known for the “Jhulan Yatra” festival, which celebrates the Radha-Krishna romance. During this festival, swings are decorated with flowers, and devotees swing on them while singing devotional songs.
Shrabon (July-August)
The Shrabon month is known for the “Shrabon Barsha” festival, which celebrates the arrival of the monsoon season. This festival is celebrated with traditional foods, music, and dance.
Bhadro (August-September)
The Bhadro month is known for the “Janmashtami” festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. This festival is celebrated with fasting, prayers, and devotional songs.
Ashwin (September-October)
The Ashwin month is known for the “Durga Puja” festival, which celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This festival is celebrated with grand pandals, where idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
Kartik (October-November)
The Kartik month is known for the “Kali Puja” festival, which celebrates the victory of Goddess Kali over the demon Raktabija. This festival is celebrated with grand pandals, where idols of Goddess Kali are worshipped.
Agrahayan (November-December)
The Agrahayan month is known for the “Bhai Phonta” festival, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a special ritual to bless their brothers, and brothers give gifts to their sisters.
Poush (December-January)
The Poush month is known for the “Poush Mela” festival, which celebrates the harvest season. This festival is celebrated with traditional foods, music, and dance.
Magh (January-February)
The Magh month is known for the “Maghi Purnima” festival, which celebrates the full moon day of the Magh month. This festival is celebrated with a holy dip in the Ganges river and donations to the poor.
Falgun (February-March)
The Falgun month is known for the “Holi” festival, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated with colored powders, water, and sweets.
Chaitra (March-April)
The Chaitra month is known for the “Chaitra Sankranti” festival, which celebrates the new year according to the solar calendar. This festival is celebrated with traditional foods, music, and dance.
Question & Answer
Q: How is the Bengali calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Bengali calendar is a solar calendar based on the Hindu solar calendar, while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar based on the Julian calendar. The Bengali calendar has its own set of festivals, events, and traditions that are not celebrated in the Gregorian calendar.
Q: What is the significance of the Bengali New Year?
A: The Bengali New Year, also known as “Pohela Boishakh,” is a symbol of new beginnings and is celebrated with parades, fairs, and special foods. It is a national holiday in Bangladesh and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Q: What is the most popular festival in the Bengali 2023 calendar?
A: The most popular festival in the Bengali 2023 calendar is the “Durga Puja” festival, which celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This festival is celebrated with grand pandals, where idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
