When is the Bengali new year?

Pohela Boishakh, on 14 or 15 April, it's a solar date so it barely moves. Shops open new account books, the Haal Khata, and invite customers in for sweets. It's more a cultural festival than a religious one, and in Bangladesh Dhaka's procession is on the UNESCO heritage list.

Pohela Boishakha

Bengali New Year

2026

15 April 2026

Wednesday · Krishna Trayodashi

Tithi begins12:13 AM

Tithi ends10:31 PM

Full panchang for this day

About

Bengali New Year, the first day of the month of Boishakh in the Bengali solar calendar.

Falls on: Boishakh 1, 14 or 15 April, a solar date

What it is

The Bengali new year, counted in Bangabda. Businesses open Haal Khata, new account books, and invite customers for sweets. In Bangladesh, the Mangal Shobhajatra procession in Dhaka is a UNESCO-listed intangible heritage element. Largely a cultural rather than religious festival.

Food

Panta bhat with fried hilsa is the signature Pohela Boishakh meal, especially in Bangladesh.

Common questions

When is the Bengali new year?: Pohela Boishakh, on 14 or 15 April, it's a solar date so it barely moves. Shops open new account books, the Haal Khata, and invite customers in for sweets. It's more a cultural festival than a religious one, and in Bangladesh Dhaka's procession is on the UNESCO heritage list.

Pohela Boishakha date in 2025 Pohela Boishakha date in 2027