The First date of Bangla Calendar is known as Pohela Boishakh, created by Mughal Emperor Akbar, to celebrate Bengali traditions.

Celebrating “Pohela Boishakh” or Bangla New Year is part of Bengali culture and heritage, and it is one of the best celebrations for Bengali all over the world. In New York, Boishakh Mela traditionally attracts thousands of spectators from all over the country and is the biggest in North America.

This year, Boishakh Mela will start from the 13th April and continue until 14th April in Jackson Heights. The mela will be held in P.S. 69 in Jackson Heights, New York. Popular Bangladeshi Singer Ferdous Ara will sing for the spectators, and there is no entrance fee this year as well.

Spectators can enjoy Boishakh Mela celebration from 11am to 11pm on both days. Organized by NRB World Wide, the mela will include local artists and performers, children, young people, and cultural groups. Also, up to 30 vendors with clothing, jewelry and gift items and food will set up stalls for spectators.

The planner for this year’s Boishakh Mela celebration, Tofazzal Liton said, “Wear your best Bengali themed dresses for the mela and we will have a gift for you! Up to 10 people, both children or adults, will be able to enter into this competition and win a prize. Both days spectators will be able to participate in many Bengali cultural activities.”

Tofazzal Liton further added, “through this mela we can retain the connection to our culture and heritage. Come and enjoy Bangla music, poetry, and dance...and of course songs of Rabindranath Tagore and Qazi Nazrul Islam. This years mela will include a range of free activities including Bengali arts and crafts workshops and storytelling sessions, and so much more for everyone.”

Writer: Rajub Bhowmik