Bengali Calendar 2024 24
As a Bengali living abroad, I always make sure to keep track of important dates and events in the Bengali calendar. With the year 2023 coming to an end, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming Bengali calendar year 2024. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details of the Bengali calendar 2024 and its significance.
What is the Bengali Calendar?
The Bengali calendar, also known as the Bangla calendar, is a solar-lunar calendar used in the Bengal region. It is based on the Hindu calendar and is widely used in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.
How is the Bengali Calendar Calculated?
The Bengali calendar is based on the Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Indian astronomical text. It is a lunar-solar calendar, which means it takes into account both the lunar phases and the solar movements. The Bengali calendar year begins on the first day of the month of Boishakh, which usually falls on April 14th or 15th according to the Gregorian calendar.
The Bengali calendar has 12 months, each consisting of either 29 or 30 days. The months are named after the zodiac signs and are as follows:
- Mesha
- Vrishabha
- Mithuna
- Karka
- Simha
- Kanya
- Tula
- Vrischika
- Dhanu
- Makar
- Kumbha
- Meen
Important Events and Festivals in Bengali Calendar 2024
The Bengali calendar is filled with a plethora of events and festivals, each with its own unique significance. Here are some of the most important events and festivals in Bengali calendar 2024:
- Poila Boishakh (April 14th, 2024) – The Bengali New Year
- Ratha Yatra (June 30th, 2024) – The Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath
- Janmashtami (August 23rd, 2024) – The Birth of Lord Krishna
- Durga Puja (October 4th-8th, 2024) – The Worship of Goddess Durga
- Kali Puja (November 3rd, 2024) – The Worship of Goddess Kali
- Diwali (November 4th, 2024) – The Festival of Lights
Celebrations of Bengali Calendar Events and Festivals
Each event and festival in the Bengali calendar is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. For example, Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is celebrated with traditional food, music, and dance. People dress up in new clothes and visit friends and family to exchange greetings and gifts.
Durga Puja, one of the biggest festivals in the Bengali calendar, is celebrated over five days. It is a time when people come together to worship the goddess Durga and enjoy cultural programs and food. The streets are lit up with lights, and pandals (temporary structures) are erected to showcase beautiful idols of the goddess.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by lighting diyas (lamps) and candles. People decorate their homes with colorful rangolis (patterns made of colored powder) and exchange sweets and gifts.
Question and Answer Section
Q: What is the Bengali New Year?
A: The Bengali New Year, also known as Poila Boishakh, is the first day of the Bengali calendar. It usually falls on April 14th or 15th according to the Gregorian calendar.
Q: How many months are there in the Bengali calendar?
A: The Bengali calendar has 12 months.
Q: What is Durga Puja?
A: Durga Puja is a major festival in the Bengali calendar celebrated over five days. It is a time when people come together to worship the goddess Durga and enjoy cultural programs and food.
FAQs
When is Kali Puja in Bengali Calendar 2024?
Kali Puja is on November 3rd, 2024, according to the Bengali calendar.
What is the significance of Ratha Yatra?
Ratha Yatra is the Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, celebrated in the Bengali month of Ashadha. It is believed that Lord Jagannath, along with his brother and sister, comes out of his temple to give darshan (audience) to his devotees.
Overall, the Bengali calendar is a rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the Bengali people. It is a testament to the rich history and traditions of the region, and its events and festivals provide a unique insight into the Bengali way of life. As we prepare for the year 2024, let us embrace the beauty and significance of the Bengali calendar and its celebrations.