Celebrated by Bengalis, Poila Biashakh marks the beginning of a New Year (for the Bengalis!). A significant occasion for the Bengalis, Poila Biashakh is marked by wearing new clothes, visiting families and gorging on mouth-watering dishes. While we all are busy preparing for this pivotal day, why not do something different this year?
To experience the true essence of Poila Biashakh it is extremely important to understand the rich culture. Bengalis are warm-hearted beings who find joy in the smallest aspects of life and celebrating festivals all-out is our style. This year in Poila Baishakh, let us feel the warmth and compassion that the city upholds by experiencing it. Here are three ways you can bask on the real magic of the festival, while enjoying in heaps and loads.
Visit Kalighat early in the morning
Located in one of Kolkata’s oldest and most densely populated locality, Kalighat is a popular religious site for Hindus. According to the Hindu myth, after Sati’s immolation, when Lord Shiva started his dance of destruction, Lord Vishnu chopped off Sati’s body into 51 pieces and scattered it all over India. It is believed that the goddesses’ right toe fell in Kalighat, and hence it is called a Shakti peeth. Extremely holy and pious, starting the new year by visiting Kalighat early in the morning is believed to bring in good fortune for the rest of the year. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Take a walk in the area with guides from top travel agencies in Kolkata to witness an amalgamated structure of colonialism and rich Bengali heritage.
Go on a sweet-shop hopping
No celebration of Poila Biashakh is complete without sweets. In fact, no occasion for Bengalis can be complete without sweets. There is a sweet shop in every corner of every street in every locality all around the city. This year, rather than bringing in boxes of sweets to your home, gather your friends or family and hop around to the sweet shops. Balaram Mullick & Radharam Mullick, Nalin Chandra, Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy, Sen Mahasay, Bhim Chandra Nag, and Bancharam are some of the most iconic sweet shops in the city. You should not miss out on satisfying your sweet tooth this year; and with the variety these shops offer, it is a treat!
Take a tour of Kolkata to understand its heritage
Once the capital of the British India, Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is known for its rich heritage and cultural composure. The juxtaposition of the old and the new is significant here and can be witnessed only when you take a tour of the entire city. While the North of the city is poised with old-world charm, the South is marked by modern buildings. With tourist destinations like Maidan, Victoria Memorial, Writer’s Building, Nabannya, Indian Museum, Birla Temple, Birla Planetarium, Marble Palace, Eco Park and the iconic Howrah Bridge, there are too many things to see around the city and become awestruck (even if you live here). Go on guided tours of the city and be mesmerized by the charm like never.
Get in touch with a top travel agency in Kolkata that arrange city tours for an affordable price.
So, are you ready? Gather your family and friends and head out of the house to witness the festivity in its true colors. Subho Poila Baishakh!
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3 Ways To Soak In The Real Magic Of Poila Biashakh