As the vibrant colours of spring paint the canvas of nature, Bengalis around the world rejoice in welcoming Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. Pohela Boishakh marks the beginning of a new journey, filled with hope, joy, and cultural richness. Whether near or far, let's come together to share the joy of this auspicious occasion with our loved ones, spreading warmth and happiness wherever we go. Here are the heartfelt wishes, images, and warm greetings to share with our loved ones on this Bengali New Year.
Popular Bengali TV host and actress Rachana Banerjee, known for her hit show Didi No. 1, is set to enter the political arena as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) nominee from the Hooghly Lok Sabha seat. She will be facing off against BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, also a former actor. Banerjee's decision to join the TMC after her successful entertainment career has garnered much attention, with her show even featuring West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in a special episode. In other political news, the Election Commission has finally released data on electoral bonds following a Supreme Court order.
In an exclusive interview with local news outlet ABP Ananda, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court has announced his resignation on Tuesday and plans to enter the political arena. He has yet to make a decision on which party to join, but Congress and TMC leaders have extended their welcome. This announcement comes after the judge's controversial tenure and disagreement with a division bench, which was taken up by the Supreme Court.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a speech during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, attacking the central government for the growing unemployment crisis in India. He stated that India currently has double the unemployment rate compared to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi also blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decline in small businesses due to demonetization and GST implementation.
Bengali musician Anupam Roy, known for his hit songs such as Amake Amar Moto Thakte Dao, has recently tied the nuptial knot with singer Prashmita Paul. The couple started dating after knowing each other professionally for a long time. Anupam's previous marriage with Piya Chakraborty ended in 2021 after six years and she recently got married to actor-director-producer Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Minister Smriti Irani accused her of being responsible for the "genocide" of Hindu women in Sandeshkhali village. As locals1 protest and demand the arrest of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan for alleged land ration allotment scams and rape incidents, Irani called out Banerjee for turning a blind eye to the plight of women in the state. She also criticized the implementation of Section 144 in certain areas of Sandeshkhali, prohibiting locals from speaking out and drawing attention to their suffering.
Poush Parbon, the harvest festival of Poush Sankranti, is a significant event in Bengal and is celebrated with delicious traditional sweets such as patishapta, narkel naru, and ranga aloo pithe. These desserts, made from ingredients like sweet potatoes, coconut, and jaggery, are not only a way to give thanks to the land and agricultural gods but also a way to preserve the region's cultural and culinary heritage. Watch the Bong Eats video and read about the top 10 Bengali pithas for Pitha Parbon to get a taste of this festive celebration.