Names and Detailed Description of the 12 Months of the Bengali Calendar
The Bengali calendar is based on the lunisolar system. The 12 months of the Bengali year are associated with changes in seasons, each having unique characteristics and cultural significance.
The Names of the 12 Months of the Bengali Year
Below are the detailed descriptions for each month:
Boishakh
Jaistha
Asharh
Shraban
Bhadra
Ashwin
Kartik
Agrahayan
Poush
Magh
Falgun
Chaitra
Boishakh is the first month of the Bengali year, holding special significance in Bengali culture. The first day of this month is celebrated as "Pohela Boishakh," marking the Bengali New Year. On this day, Bengalis participate in various cultural activities, including the "Mangal Shobhajatra," opening new accounting books, and enjoying traditional foods like "Panta-Ilish."
Jaistha is the second month of the Bengali calendar, known as the peak of summer. This month is famous for its abundance of mangoes and other tropical fruits, leading to its nickname "Madhumas" (the honey month). Intense heat and storms are common during Jaistha.
Asharh marks the beginning of the monsoon season. Heavy rains start during this month, making it vital for agriculture. Farmers plant paddy and prepare the soil for other crops. The cool and rainy weather refreshes the land and people alike.
Shraban is the peak monsoon month. Rivers and ponds overflow, often causing floods. This month is culturally significant for festivals like Rath Yatra. The continuous rains make this month vital for the farming communities in Bengal.
Bhadra signifies the ripening of crops. As the monsoon comes to an end, farmers prepare to harvest their crops. Celebrations like Nabanna, where new rice is consumed, take place during this time.
Ashwin marks the beginning of autumn, characterized by clear skies and blooming Kash flowers. This month is best known for the grand celebration of Durga Puja, the largest religious and cultural festival in Bengal.
Kartik is the month of harvest. It also heralds the arrival of cooler weather as winter approaches. Festivals like Kartik Purnima are celebrated, and the agricultural activities of cutting and storing crops dominate this month.
Agrahayan is the season of new rice harvests, celebrated through Nabanna festivals. Farmers rejoice as their crops are brought home, marking economic stability and the completion of the agricultural cycle.
Poush is the middle of winter. It is a time of slower agricultural activity. Festivals like Poush Sankranti are celebrated with fairs and social gatherings in rural Bengal.
Magh is the last month of winter. Religious festivals like Maghi Purnima are celebrated, and this month brings an end to the cold season, with dry and chilly weather across Bengal.
Falgun marks the arrival of spring. The environment becomes colorful with blooming flowers, new leaves, and the chirping of birds. Festivals like Basanta Utsav celebrate the arrival of the spring season.
Chaitra is the last month of the Bengali year, bringing with it the onset of summer. On the final day of this month, "Chaitra Sankranti" is celebrated, marking the end of the year and the preparation for the new year.
Features of the Bengali Calendar
The Bengali calendar is a combination of lunar and solar cycles. Each month is closely related to seasonal changes and festivals, making it an integral part of Bengali life and culture. This calendar is designed to serve the needs of an agricultural society and remains a significant part of daily life in Bengal.