A great thing about Indian culture is that no matter the season or time of the year, it always gives us a reason to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. March and April months see the beginning of New Year for various states across India. Many of these mark the beginning of the harvest season, and are observed in accordance with the luni-solar calendar. One such festival that is just round the corner is Pahela Baishakh, more colloquially known as Pohela or Poila Baisakh. The traditional New Year day or Poila year of Bengali people, this festival is celebrated with processions, fairs, family time, and most importantly – food!
Poila Baisakh festivities begin with a puja in the morning. This is followed by elaborate meals that are eaten with family or friends, and distribution of sweets to near and dear.The celebrity is Bengalis year marks the beginning of Baisakh year and is cultural pride for Bengalis. So, when gearing to celebrate this auspicious festival with your loved ones, don’t forget to browse through our collection of authentic Bengali cuisine and show off your culinary skills in style.
Poila Baisakh Special Menu Plan
Breakfast
The first meal that is eaten after rituals on the Bengali New Year is a good spread that includes traditional recipes like the Luchi (Bengali version of Pooris) , Cholar Dal (a spicy, protein rich curry, which also lends some crunchiness to your breakfast with its coconut pieces), and Aloor Dum (a thick and creamy gravy made from potatoes and yogurt). These tummy-filling dishes are rich in nutrients and get you started on the right note for your festival day.
Lunch and Dinner
Lunch and dinner menus bring in the much loved non vegetarian dishes to Poila Boisakh celebrations. One dish that can definitely not be missing in any Bengali cuisine is Fish curry. This seafood preparation is much enjoyed with rice like Veg Pulao or rotis and Luchis, and adds a rich flavour to the meal. Fish is usually followed by a serving of meat like mutton or chicken, again in the form of gravy. While non- vegetarian dishes steal the limelight in the Poila Boisakh platter, vegetarian ones too get their fair share, and are included as dal and dry sabjis like Aloo Posto and Begun Bhaja.
Sweets
No festive celebration is ever complete without sweets, and that too in the land of Rosogollas. Poila Boisakh celebrations call for the preparation of variety of sweets that are consumed through the course of the day. Sandesh, the popular Bengali sweet, makes its way into your tummy right from breakfast time. (You could also try out our Mango Sandesh to give your celebrations an exotic twist). Another sweet that is enjoyed during the festive day is the Chaler Payesh, a variant of the sweet and milky kheer.
Chaats
The Bengali New Year is also a time that sees street food vendors in their full swing. So if you miss relishing those savoury street snacks, you can prepare them at your home by checking out the collection of street food recipes.
We know that you can’t wait to try out these authentic Bengali dishes. Do let us know what you made and how you like them.
Subho Nabobarsho everyone!
Neha's love for recipes is evident from this site. She is a food stylist, consultant and photographer. Connect with Neha to learn more. 
Leave a Reply