The Bengali and Assamese communities in Mumbai celebrated Poila Baisakh and Bohag Bihu, their New Year's day on Tuesday.
For Bengalis, Poila Baisakh is Nobo Borsho, the first day of Baisakh, the first month of the Bengali calendar. The day is considered very auspicious and businesses begin their new accounting books on this day.
The Bombay Durga Bari Samiti, which hosts Mumbai's oldest Durga Puja pandal, celebrates this day with the community to keep the spirit and traditions alive.
Growing up, it was a time of joy—wearing new clothes, seeking blessings from elders, greeting one another, and enjoying delicious Bengali meals. It holds immense sentimental value," said Susmita Mitra, president of Bombay Durga Bari Samiti. "We come together, exchange greetings and sweets, and host a culturally rich program every year that highlights Bengali heritage."Last year, the Samiti welcomed renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Promitama Mallik and her troupe.
This year, they will celebrate the birth centenary of the legendary composer and lyricist Salil Choudhury, considered a pioneer of 'Gana Sangeet'—music for the masses. This year, they have invited the esteemed Calcutta Choir from Kolkata, led by Kalyan Sen Barat, with whom Salil Choudhury shared a close bond and performed during his lifetime. Assamese began the celebrations for Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu, their New Year and spring festival.
"It is a Valentine Day-like festival because young members of the community meet life partners during the festival. The Bihu dance celebrates this aspect of the festival. The dance, which is performed in the paddy fields, has been made more formal and is done on the stage," said Devabrata Chakravarty, general secretary, Assam Association Mumbai.
Another dance performed during the festival is the Huchori, also known as Husori, where male dancers visit homes to bless the house owners. "We recreate this dance in Mumbai by inviting house owners to the stage to get blessed by the dancers," Chakravarty added.
The main Bihu celebration will be held at the Rang Sharda auditorium on April 26. Apart from this grand event, smaller events were held at Kharghar on Monday. Communities in Thane, Mira Road, and Panvel have their events.
