Bengali Calendar 2024 May June

As a Bengali, I have always been fascinated by the Bengali calendar and its rich cultural significance. In this article, I will be delving into the Bengali calendar for May and June 2024, exploring the various events, festivals, and traditions that are celebrated during this time.

Overview of Bengali Calendar 2024 May June

The Bengali calendar, also known as the Bangla calendar, is a solar calendar used by the Bengali community in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. It is based on the Hindu calendar and is widely used for cultural, religious, and social purposes.

The calendar year begins on Pohela Boishakh, which falls on April 14th or 15th depending on the year. May and June are part of the Bengali calendar month of Joishtho, which spans from May 16th to June 15th.

Events and Festivals in Bengali Calendar 2024 May June

During the month of Joishtho, there are several significant events and festivals that are celebrated by the Bengali community. Here are some of the major ones:

• Rabindra Jayanti: May 9th marks the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Bengali poet, writer, and philosopher. This day is celebrated with cultural programs, music, and recitation of Tagore’s poems and songs.
• Buddha Purnima: May 26th is the day when Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away. This day is observed by Buddhists all over the world, including the Bengali community.
• Jamai Sasthi: June 1st is a day dedicated to son-in-laws. On this day, mothers-in-law prepare special dishes and gifts for their son-in-laws to show their appreciation and love.
• Ratha Yatra: June 12th marks the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, a major Hindu deity worshipped by the Bengali community. The festival involves a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, and thousands of devotees.

Celebrations of Events and Festivals in Bengali Calendar 2024 May June

Each of the aforementioned events and festivals is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by the Bengali community. Here’s a brief overview of how these celebrations take place:

Rabindra Jayanti: This day is marked by cultural programs and performances of Tagore’s songs and poems in various venues across the region. People also decorate their homes and offices with Tagore’s portraits, and some even organize community feasts.

Buddha Purnima: Buddhists visit temples and monasteries to offer prayers and offerings to Lord Buddha. Some also observe fasts and meditate on this day.

Jamai Sasthi: Mothers-in-law prepare special dishes, including fish and meat delicacies, and invite their son-in-laws for a grand feast. The son-in-laws are presented with gifts and tokens of love, such as new clothes and accessories.

Ratha Yatra: This festival involves the grand procession of Lord Jagannath on a chariot, accompanied by his siblings and thousands of devotees. The procession starts from the Jagannath temple and goes around various parts of the city, with people thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the deity.

Question and Answer (Q&A) about Bengali Calendar 2024 May June

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bengali calendar and its events and festivals in May and June 2024:

Q: What is the significance of Rabindra Jayanti?

A: Rabindra Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, who is one of the most celebrated poets and writers of Bengali literature. This day is celebrated to pay tribute to his contribution to Bengali culture and literature.

Q: What is the story behind Ratha Yatra?

A: Ratha Yatra is an annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath from his temple to his aunt’s home, where he is offered sweets and delicacies.

Q: How is Jamai Sasthi celebrated?

A: Jamai Sasthi is celebrated by mothers-in-law who prepare special dishes and gifts for their son-in-laws. The son-in-laws are invited for a grand feast, and they are presented with gifts and tokens of love.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Bengali Calendar 2024 May June

Q: What is the Bengali calendar?

A: The Bengali calendar, also known as the Bangla calendar, is a solar calendar used by the Bengali community in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. It is based on the Hindu calendar and is widely used for cultural, religious, and social purposes.

Q: What is the significance of Buddha Purnima?

A: Buddha Purnima is the day when Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away. This day is observed by Buddhists all over the world, including the Bengali community.

Q: What is the date of Ratha Yatra in 2024?

A: Ratha Yatra will be celebrated on June 12th, 2024.

Q: What is the traditional Bengali food during these festivals?

A: The traditional Bengali food during these festivals includes sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi, as well as fish and meat delicacies.

As we can see, the Bengali calendar has a rich cultural heritage, and its events and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by the Bengali community. May and June 2024 are no exception, and we can look forward to experiencing the joy and celebration that comes with these festivals.