Pohela Boishakh: Cultural Reflections
Photo Collected
Dhaka, Bangladesh — A planned Pohela Boishakh celebration for an 83-year-old Dhaka resident was unexpectedly curtailed this year, not by the usual ailments of advanced age, but by the far-reaching impact of global conflicts and domestic market disruptions. A traditional New Year’s Day meal with an old friend was postponed due to a severe fuel shortage, a consequence the man wryly attributed to the Iran-U.S. and Israel conflicts.
The conversation between the octogenarian friends, which began with customary exchanges about health and nostalgic memories, took a surprising turn on Chaitra Sankranti, the eve of the Bengali New Year. The host’s invitation for a simple home-cooked meal of lentil stew, rice, and various mashes was met with a reluctant refusal.
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“I would have been delighted to go, but I have no choice,” the guest explained, initially citing poor health. He then elaborated, “That could have been overlooked, but being caught in the war-trap of Iran-U.S. and Israel, nothing can be done.”
His friend, initially concerned about a direct connection to the Middle East, soon understood the broader implication. The guest revealed the “war” had indeed “caught” him, forcing him to withdraw from Pohela Boishakh festivities. The critical reason: a lack of fuel for his car. “My car has no fuel. Movement is halted due to the fuel scarcity. Besides, the queues at petrol pumps are terrifying,” he disclosed, attributing the local crisis to the distant international conflicts.
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The friend, however, redirected the blame, criticizing “dishonest people” within the country who exploit such opportunities. The conversation then shifted to the upcoming Pohela Boishakh celebrations themselves. The guest predicted a decline in the consumption of the traditional ‘panta-ilish’ (fermented rice with Hilsa fish) due to a fishing ban impacting Hilsa availability. His friend suggested chapila fish as a substitute, jesting about “Tesla” rickshaws—a local nickname for battery-operated cycle rickshaws—to navigate the city’s fuel woes.
The discussion moved to the broader cultural shift in festival observances. The guest expressed a fondness for Chaitra Sankranti, recalling fond memories of village fairs and sweet exchanges associated with ‘Halkhata,’ the traditional opening of new account books. These rural traditions, he lamented, have largely disappeared.
His friend countered, noting that Pohela Boishakh has become an increasingly urban affair. “Throughout the year, city dwellers act like sahibs, practicing January, February, March, etc., but when Pohela Boishakh arrives, they become Bengali for a day, in their food and attire,” he remarked, highlighting a perceived superficiality in modern celebrations.
As their call concluded, the guest offered Pohela Boishakh greetings and well wishes for a peaceful year. His friend chuckled, warning against using the word “mongol” (meaning auspicious) in Pohela Boishakh greetings, citing a strange aversion among some, despite its acceptance in other contexts like Tuesday or the planet Mars. He concluded with a touch of irony: this year, Pohela Boishakh fell on a Tuesday.
Source: Prothom Alo Bangla
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