Bengali Calendar 2023: A Guide To Festivals And Events
Introduction
Growing up in a Bengali household, I have always been fascinated by the Bengali Calendar. It is a unique blend of the lunar and solar calendar systems and is widely used in West Bengal, Bangladesh, and other Bengali-speaking regions. In this article, I will take you through the Bengali Calendar 2023 and its various festivals and events.
The Bengali Calendar
The Bengali Calendar, also known as the Bangla Calendar, is based on the solar and lunar cycles. It is a luni-solar calendar, which means it takes into account both the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. The calendar was introduced by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and has since been used by Bengali communities all over the world.
The Bengali Calendar 2023
The Bengali Calendar for 2023 is based on the Gregorian calendar and starts on April 15th, 2023. It is known as the “1429 Bangabda” and will end on April 2nd, 2024. The calendar consists of 12 months, each with 30 days, and an additional month of 31 days.
Festivals and Events
The Bengali Calendar is known for its numerous festivals and events, which are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Here are some of the major events and festivals that will take place in 2023:
Pohela Boishakh
Pohela Boishakh, also known as the Bengali New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the Bengali Calendar. It is a time for new beginnings, and people dress up in traditional attire and participate in cultural programs and parades.
Noboborsho
Noboborsho is the first day of the Bengali calendar, and it is celebrated with great pomp and show. People clean their homes and decorate them with colorful rangolis. They also prepare traditional Bengali dishes and exchange sweets and gifts with each other.
Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra is a chariot festival that takes place in the city of Puri in Odisha. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over the world. In 2023, Ratha Yatra will take place on July 4th.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in the Bengali Calendar and is celebrated with great grandeur and enthusiasm. It is a 10-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. People dress up in new clothes and visit pandals, which are elaborately decorated temporary structures that house clay idols of the goddess Durga.
World events and Festivals
Apart from the festivals and events in the Bengali Calendar, there are also numerous world events and festivals that take place in 2023. Here are some of the major ones:
Olympic Games
The 2023 Summer Olympics, also known as the Games of the XXXV Olympiad, will be held in Brisbane, Australia, from July 21st to August 6th. Thousands of athletes from all over the world will compete in various sports and events.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm all over the world and is marked by the lighting of lamps and fireworks.
Christmas
Christmas is a major Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th every year and is marked by the exchange of gifts, the singing of carols, and the decoration of Christmas trees.
Question & Answer
Q: What is the Bengali Calendar? A: The Bengali Calendar, also known as the Bangla Calendar, is a luni-solar calendar that is widely used in West Bengal, Bangladesh, and other Bengali-speaking regions. Q: What are some of the major festivals celebrated in the Bengali Calendar? A: Some of the major festivals celebrated in the Bengali Calendar include Pohela Boishakh, Noboborsho, Ratha Yatra, and Durga Puja. Q: What are some of the major world events and festivals that will take place in 2023? A: Some of the major world events and festivals that will take place in 2023 include the Summer Olympics, Diwali, and Christmas.
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