Today marks Pohela Falgun, the first day of the Bengali month of Falgun and the beginning of the enchanting season of Spring. Nature opens the gates to its beauty, and the spring breeze flows through. With the arrival of Spring, the koel will sing its melodies, and the bees will flutter joyfully. The trees will be adorned with vibrant flames of palash and shimul flowers. Nature will don a fresh, new appearance as the vibrant blooms of Krishnachura, Radhachura, Palash, and Nagalingam come to life.
In shades of red and yellow, nature and the people of Bengal will dress themselves in hues of spring, and the entire nation will be swept away by the festive exuberance of the season. With the sight of blossoms on trees and the sweet song of the koel, Bengalis will join in and sing Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic lines, “Aha, today in this spring, so many flowers bloom, so many flutes play, so many birds sing.”
Spring marks the final season in the cycle of six. The months of Falgun and Chaitra together make up this glorious season. It arrives after winter retreats and before the scorching heat of summer. On the first day of spring, young men and women adorn themselves in shades of yellow, filling the streets, parks, book fairs, and green lawns with colorful splendor. The whole country is alive with the spirit of celebration. Wearing yellow and spring-toned garments, the youth of Bengal create a radiant spectacle. Spring, thus, becomes the season of youth.
The first day of spring, known as Pohela Falgun or Basanto Utsab, is widely celebrated by Bengalis across the world. It has now become a cherished festival, recognized as a universal expression of joy and renewal.
The tradition of celebrating the new year according to the Bengali calendar was introduced by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1585. He established 14 festivals in honor of the new year, and among them was the Basanto Utsab. Since 1401 Bengali year, the Basanto Utsab has been celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.
On Pohela Falgun, various events and celebrations take place throughout the country, particularly in the capital. From the Bakkultala of Charukala, the Botanical Gardens, Ramna Park, Banani Lake, Dhanmondi Lake, Rabindra Sarobar, to Sohrawardy Udyan, celebrations unfold all day long. In this digital age, mobile phones, Facebook, and Twitter are also abuzz with spring greetings.
Spring doesn’t only spread joy through the blossoms of Ashok, Palash, and Shimul; it also carries the red hues of remembrance from our historic Language Movement martyrs. The memory of the sacrifices made on the 8th Falgun (21st February 1952) — a day marked by the bravery of youth and an outpouring of emotion — is an integral part of this season’s vibrancy.
Across the country, people come together to celebrate spring with fairs and cultural events. These include exchanging floral gifts, tribal performances, children’s recitals, solo and group recitations, group and solo songs, spring gatherings, Baul music, and more. In some places, a grand spring procession is held to mark the occasion.
The colorful celebrations of spring bring with them messages of love, non-violence, and communal harmony. It’s a time to break down the walls of division. As poet Subhash Mukhopadhyay beautifully put it, “Whether the flowers bloom or not, today is Spring.”
This vibrant celebration of spring not only brings the promise of nature’s renewal but also invites us to embrace unity, warmth, and a shared sense of joy.
LND/BAIZID
