Pohela Falgun

Pohela Falgun is the celebration of the first day of spring in Bangladesh, held on the first day of the Bengali month of Falgun. Since 2020, it takes place on 14 February, filling the country with traditional music and colourful attire.

• Marks the first day of spring in the Bengali calendar
• Celebrated on 14 February since 2020
• Started by Dhaka University students in 1991
• Features traditional music and colourful clothing
• Women often wear floral ornaments and teeps

What it is

Pohela Falgun marks the arrival of spring in Bangladesh, celebrated on the first day of the Bengali month of Falgun. The festival is a joyful welcome to the new season, with people expressing their happiness through music, bright clothing, and floral decorations. It is a time when the streets and campuses, especially in Dhaka, come alive with gatherings and performances. For many, Pohela Falgun is not just about the change in weather, but also about embracing hope, renewal, and the beauty of Bengali culture.

Where it comes from

The tradition of Pohela Falgun began in 1991, initiated by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Their aim was to celebrate the spirit of spring and Bengali heritage. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity and is now organized by the National Spring Celebration Council. The date of the festival shifted from 13 February to 14 February in 2020, following changes to the Bangladeshi calendar, and now coincides with Valentine's Day.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations begin in the morning with traditional Bangladeshi music performed in public spaces. People dress in colourful traditional outfits: women often wear saris in shades of yellow, orange, or red, while men don punjabis. Young women frequently adorn themselves with floral ornaments, bangles, and teeps, adding to the festive atmosphere. The day is filled with singing, dancing, and gatherings in parks and university campuses, especially in Dhaka. The sense of community and the vibrant display of Bengali culture are at the heart of the festivities.

Joining in

Visitors can experience Pohela Falgun most vividly in Dhaka, where the main celebrations take place, particularly around Dhaka University. Expect lively crowds, music, and a sea of people dressed in bright colours. As a newcomer, you are welcome to join the public events, enjoy the performances, and take part in the joyful spirit of spring. Wearing traditional attire or floral accessories is a way to blend in and show appreciation for the occasion.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Pohela Falgun, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Pohela Falgun on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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