Pohela Boishakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar. It is simply called as 'Bengali or Bangla New Year'. It is celebrated in Bangladesh, West Bengal, in Bengali communities in Assam and Tripura.

In Bangladesh, Pohela Boishakh is celebrated on April 14 is a national holiday. In West Bengal and Assam it is a public holiday celebrated on April 15.

On Kolkata, the people wear new clothes. The entire month of Boishakh is considered to be an auspicious time for marriages. Bangla New Year is the day for cultural programmes.

Young ladies clad in white saree's with red borders, men in dhuti and kurta, take part in the Probhat Pheri processions early in the morning to welcome the first day of the year. It is considered as an auspicious day, for new businesses and new ventures in Bangladesh.

Usually on Pohela Boishakh, the home is thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned, people bath early in the morning and dress in fine clothes. They spend much of the day visiting relatives, friends, and neighbours. Special foods are prepared to entertain guests.