Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is celebrated with prayers, cultural performances, and festive gatherings, symbolising fresh beginnings and prosperity

Celebrated as the first day of the Bengali calendar, Poila Boishakh is a time when people visit temples, wear traditional attire, and welcome the new year with hope, joy, and community spirit

On Poila Boishakh, Bengalis celebrate new beginnings by cleaning homes, opening new account books (haal khata), and sharing sweets with family and friends

The Bengali New Year is rooted in agrarian traditions, marking the start of a new harvest cycle, with people offering prayers for prosperity and success in the year ahead

From vibrant processions to cultural programmes, Poila Boishakh is celebrated with enthusiasm as people come together to honour tradition, food, music, and community

A day of renewal and joy, Poila Boishakh sees families gathering, exchanging greetings, and embracing traditions that reflect Bengal’s rich cultural heritage

A woman carrying miniature idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati in a basket as she waits in a queue to offer prayer at Dakshineswar Kali Temple

A display of Bengali calendars and almanacs on the occasion of ‘Poila Boishakh’ (Bengali New Year), in Kolkata

A priest performs a ritual on a Bengali calendar on the occasion of ‘Poila Boishakh’

People wait in long queues to offer prayers at Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the occasion of ‘Poila Boishakh’ (Bengali New Year)