Pohela Boishak – Bengali New Years- The Bengali New Year is based on a solar calendar introduced over 400 years ago by the Mogul Emperor Akbar. This year’s celebration, according to the Bengali calendar, ushers in the year 1426, and is celebrated on April 14th. Traditionally, the day is marked with singing, processions, and fairs. Corresponding to the harvest and the beginning of the financial year for businesses, it is a time of happiness and joy, and an occasion for festivals and feasting. Pohela Baishakh is one of the biggest and most significant Bengali festivals, it is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm by Bengalis all over the nation. Women and men wear traditional attires in the color of red and white.

We will be showcasing the historically rich, colorful culture of Bangladesh and recreates the atmosphere of optimism and joy that characterizes this occasion back home. Traditional Bangladeshi ethnic foods, ethnic dresses, indigenous arts and crafts, and open air performances of Bengali music and dance, and cultural program will be featured at this festival.

This event has never been celebrated on UB campus before. We are planning on celebrating this event on a grand scale with an estimated audience of 100 people. The event will not only enrich the ones attending but also the UB community as knowledge about Bangladeshi culture and tradition will be acknowledged.  We plan to hold the event in mid-April or late April 2019.

We are planning on holding this event at Westin hotel, in downtown and cater traditional Bangladeshi food from Bangladeshi Restaurant. We will have tons of performances by UB students as well as games and henna artists. We will also have traditional face painting booths, flower booths, and a photo booth!

We have many international Bangladeshi students, both undergrad and grad, who misses this event back home tremendously. We also have A LOT of non-Bengali students on campus who enjoys the traditions and culture of Bangladeshi immensely. We had our Briyani Night event recently, which was held at Flint Community Center, almost 120 people came and many of the attendees were non-Bengali and they were all very interested in Pohela Boishak event, when we mentioned it to them. I think this event will be a great way to connect students of all races, not just Bangladeshis, and enrich the UB community.

Tickets are on sale now at the SBI Ticket Offices in 221 Student Union and 135 Diefendorf Hall for $3 each.