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Pohela Boishakh

Pohela Boishakh is the beginning of a new year celebration in Bangladesh, which is a country located in South Asia. Just like how we celebrate New Year's Day on January 1st, people in Bangladesh celebrate Pohela Boishakh to mark the start of their new year.

Pohela Boishakh usually falls on April 14th, but sometimes it can be on April 13th if that day is considered the start of the new year according to the Bangla calendar. Now, you might be wondering, what is the Bangla calendar? Well, it's a special calendar that people in Bangladesh follow to keep track of time and different events.

On Pohela Boishakh, people wake up early in the morning to welcome the new year with lots of excitement and happiness. They wear new clothes and go out with their friends and family to celebrate together. It's like having a big party!

One of the most special things about Pohela Boishakh is the colorful parade known as the "Mangal Shobhajatra." Huge processions march through the streets with people dressed in vibrant clothes and masks. They carry beautiful art pieces made of straw, paper, and other materials, symbolizing unity and the fighting spirit of the people.

During the Pohela Boishakh celebrations, you will also see people enjoying traditional music and dances. There are performances of a particular dance called "Borsha Mongol" where people move in rhythmic patterns and beat drums to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Food is another important part of Pohela Boishakh. People prepare delicious dishes and sweets to share with their loved ones. One of the traditional sweets, known as "Panta Ilish," is very popular. It's made of fermented rice and eaten with fried hilsa fish.

You would notice that the color red is very significant on Pohela Boishakh. People wear red, paint their faces with red, and even decorate their homes and shops with red color. This is because red is considered a symbol of joy and good luck.

Pohela Boishakh is not just about celebrations; it's also a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new year. People make promises to themselves to become better and achieve their dreams. They wish for happiness, prosperity, and success for themselves and their loved ones.

So, Pohela Boishakh is a very special and exciting time for people in Bangladesh. It's the start of a fresh year, filled with fun, hope, and new beginnings. Everyone comes together to celebrate, have fun, and look forward to the future.