HISTORY OF BENGALI CALENDER
The Bengali calendar or Bangabda is maintained in Bangladesh, West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. It is according to the Bhaskar (Sun) Era, pioneered by Emperor Akbar in 1584 AD.
The calendar was initially named as Tarikh-e-Elahi. The months of the Bengali year (or Tarikh-e-Elahi) were primarily recognized as

Karwadin, Ardi, 'Vihisu, Khordad, Teer, Amardad, Shahriar, Aban, Azur, Dai, Baham and Iskander Miz. It is assumed that the present names of the months are according to the names of the stars. This is introduced from the Shakabda in 78 A.D. to honor the sovereignty of the Shaka.

THE NAMES OF THE MONTHS DERIVING FROM STARS---
1. Baishakh from the star Bishakha
2. Jiashthya from Jaishtha
3. Ashara from Shar
4. Sraban from Srabani
5. Bhadra from Bhadrapada
6. Ashwin from Aswaini
7. Kartik from Kartika
8. Agrahayon from Agraihon
9. Poush from Poushya
10. Magh from Magha
11. Falgun from Falguni, and
12. Chaitra from Chitra stars.

Some argue that, Shashanka, king of Bengal, introduced Bengali calendar to memorialize his invasion of Assam.

CELEBRATION OF NABABARSHA
Naba Barsha (Poila Baisakh) is a famous occasion for Bengalis. It is the first day of the first month of Bengali year. Naba Barsha ushers a new opening, a new anticipation, filled with delight, happiness and wealth. To greet the New Year, Bengalis beautify their homes by drawing attractive and colorful rangolis on the doorway with minced

rice, which is identified in Bengal as "Alpana". In the center of the drawing, a red clay pot with a white ‘Swastika’ is placed. The pot is full with holy water and mango leaves and it is identified as a blessed one by the Bengalis. They offer puja to lord Ganesha and goddess Laxmi for the welfare and affluence of the families. Ladies wear conventional sari and decorate their hair with colourful flowers and men wear dhoti kurta. They all participate in the processions named 'Prabhat Pheri' early in the morning to welcome the first day of the year.The day is celebrated with feast and cultural activities. Naba-Barsha is also popular among the tribal people in the Hilly regions. New Year is especially colorful in the villages, with a day of sweets and special foods, music, dance and enjoyment.
The grass, the skies, trees – every natural object seems beautiful and glows with delight and cheerfulness. To each and every Bengali, it is an occasion of joviality to be enjoyed with immense merriment, in all possible way. Special dishes are prepared on this day.