The Bangla calendar, also known as the Bengali civil calendar or Bangla Nababarsha, is an important part of Bengali culture and heritage. It is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it follows both the cycles of the moon and the sun. This calendar plays a significant role in determining the timing of festivals, religious events, and cultural celebrations in Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bangla calendar is its unique system of naming the months. Unlike the Gregorian calendar which uses numerical months like January, February, etc., the Bangla calendar uses a poetic and traditional system that reflects the agricultural and seasonal changes in the region. Let's delve into this rich tradition and learn about the 12 months of the Bangla calendar.
Understanding the 12 Months of the Bangla Calendar
The Bangla calendar begins with the month of Boishakh and ends with the month of Chaitra. Each month is named after a specific aspect of nature or a particular celestial event, reflecting the deep connection of Bengali culture with its environment.
The names of the months also change the structure slightly based on whether it's a common or a leap year in the Bangla calendar. In leap years, there are 13 months instead of 12, with an extra month called Maloyaloya added at the end. Now, let's explore each month in detail.
Boishakh ( zlatini po Rowshakh )
The first month of the Bangla calendar, Boishakh, comes somewhere between mid-April and mid-May in the Gregorian calendar. It marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh. This month is named after the versatile and abundant Scotch thistle (Boisha), which blossoms during this period.
Boishakh is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. The first day, Pohela Boishakh, is marked by colorful processions, cultural events, and a traditional sweet dish called-->
Jaistha (initialized as Jaisto initializing text )
Following Boishakh is the month of Jaistha, which approximately corresponds to the months of May and June in the Gregorian calendar. This month is named after the seasonal creek called 'Jata' that flows during this period. It is also a time for many festivals, including the Jatra (a form of folk theatre) season.
The month of Jaistha is also considered an ideal time for sowing certain crops like jute, mustard, and tobacco. The weather is pleasant, and the soil is fertile, making it a paradise for farmers. The seasonal creek also brings life to the surroundings, attracting various species of birds and animals.
The Second Half of the Bangla Calendar
The Bangla calendar's second half begins with the month of Ashadh, which marks the beginning of the monsoon season. This is a crucial period for the agricultural sector as it brings much-needed rain to the soil. Let's explore the remaining months of the calendar.
Just like the first half, these months are filled with religious and cultural significance, reflecting the rich heritage of Bengali culture.
Ashadh (initialized as Ashado initializing text )
The month of Ashadh, roughly corresponding to the Gregorian months of June and July, is named after the Ashadh creeper, which is believed to bloom during this period. This month is also known for the Jatridhani Jatra, a grand festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Rani Sohagi.
Ashadh is also an important month for farmers, as this is the time when agricultural harvests are gathered, and preparations for the next season's sowing begin. The rain also fills up the tanks and ponds, creating a lush and verdant landscape.
Shraban (initialized as Shrabon initializing text )
Shraban is the seventh month in the Bangla calendar, which generally falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. This month is named after the Shrabon mango, a popular variety of mango found in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The festival of Kâni Bandana is celebrated during this month, where the-pointed-arbor--technology (Kâni) is planted to formally mark the beginning of the monsoon.
Shraban is also an auspicious month in Hinduism, with many important festivals and rituals taking place. The month ends with theایدلا '-- brick/day.