“Shuto Nabo Barsho” means ‘a very happy New Year’ but it is not said on January 1^st but rather April 14^th. April 14^th is just another spring day for many people but for many of the residents of Bangladesh and Western India it is the first day of the Bengali calendar, New Year’s Day.  The celebration includes:  putting on your best clothes, visiting family and friends as well as eating traditional dishes.  Thoroughly cleaning or even painting their dwelling is another custom practiced as preparations are made for a new year. 

In the section ‘Do the Numbers Add Up?’ in Subtle Differences, Big Faux Pas  you are reminded that not everyone uses the Gregorian calendar , writes date in the same format or even considers this year, 2012.  According to the Bengali calendar the year is 1419.

Have you ever had the opportunity to attend a tradition Bengali celebration?  Share your experience.