Exploring Bengali Calendar 2024-25: Festivals, Events & Dates

The Bengali calendar, also known as Bangla calendar, is a solar calendar widely used in the Bengali-speaking regions of the Indian subcontinent. It follows the traditional Hindu lunisolar calendar system and is a key cultural aspect of the Bengali community. The year 2024-25 in the Bengali calendar, also known as ‘1429’ according to the Bengali numbering system, is filled with numerous festivals, events, and auspicious dates. Let’s delve into some of the key highlights of the Bengali calendar for the year 2024-25.

Introduction to the Bengali Calendar 2024-25

The Bengali calendar is a unique blend of solar and lunar calendars, with months based on the phases of the moon and years based on the solar cycle. Each year in the Bengali calendar begins with the month of Boishakh and consists of 12 months, with each month divided into two halves – the bright half (Shukla Paksha) and the dark half (Krishna Paksha).

Key Festivals and Events in Bengali Calendar 2024-25

1. Pohela Boishakh (14th April 2024)

• Pohela Boishakh marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year and is celebrated with traditional rituals, cultural programs, and festive gatherings.

2. Rath Yatra (2nd July 2024)

• Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot festival, is celebrated with great pomp and show in West Bengal, with chariots carrying deities paraded through the streets.

3. Durga Puja (3rd-7th October 2024)

• Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals in the Bengali calendar, where elaborate pandals are set up to worship Goddess Durga.

4. Kali Puja (27th October 2024)

• Kali Puja is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali and is celebrated with fervor in West Bengal.

5. Diwali (28th-29th October 2024)

• Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with diyas, fireworks, and traditional sweets.

6. Bhai Phonta (6th November 2024)

• Bhai Phonta is a festival where sisters pray for the longevity and well-being of their brothers.

7. Nabanna (23rd November 2024)

• Nabanna is the harvest festival celebrated with joy and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Auspicious Dates in Bengali Calendar 2024-25

• Akshaya Tritiya (24th April 2024): Auspicious day for new beginnings and investments.
• Ratha Saptami (6th February 2025): Celebrates the birth of the Sun God.
• Janmashtami (8th August 2024): Lord Krishna’s birthday, celebrated with fasting and devotional songs.
• Mahalaya (14th September 2024): Marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bengali Calendar 2024-25

1. What is the significance of Pohela Boishakh in the Bengali calendar?
– Pohela Boishakh marks the Bengali New Year and is celebrated as a symbol of new beginnings, cultural heritage, and unity.

2. How is the Bengali calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
– The Bengali calendar follows a lunisolar system based on the phases of the moon, while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

3. What are some traditional rituals associated with Durga Puja in West Bengal?
– Durga Puja involves elaborate pandal decorations, idol immersion, cultural programs, traditional dances (Dhunuchi Naach), and offering prayers to Goddess Durga.

4. Why is Diwali celebrated in the Bengali calendar?
– Diwali is celebrated by the Hindu community in West Bengal and other Bengali-speaking regions as a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

5. What is the significance of Nabanna in the Bengali calendar?
– Nabanna is a harvest festival that celebrates the agricultural abundance and is a time to express gratitude to the goddess of food and prosperity.

In conclusion, the Bengali calendar 2024-25 is filled with a rich tapestry of festivals, events, and auspicious dates that reflect the cultural vibrancy and traditions of the Bengali community. From Pohela Boishakh to Durga Puja to Diwali, each festival brings people together in joyous celebrations and spiritual observances, highlighting the essence of unity and diversity in the Bengali culture.