'Pohela Falgun', which is the first day of the Bengali month Falgun, heralds the much awaited Spring or 'Boshonto' characterised by the new blooms and
the melodies of home bound birds, returning to a warmer climate.
'Boshonto' provides a respite from the colorless monotony of winter and
from the harsher, longer days of heat and humidity that await us. Pohela Falgun is the beginning of a new season. Fresh flowers are iconic symbols of Pohela Falgun. A woman's appearance is incomplete without floral ornaments or flowers odorming the hair. The ideal 'Boshonto' look is one that accentuates the eyes with kohi and the lips with a blazing shade of red or fuchsia. The idea is to keep the look simple and fresh, matching the nature of the season. People are finally seen discarding woolly clothing and sporting the representative colours of yellow, orange, and red. Since Pohela Falgun holds a significant place in Bengali culture, Bangladeshis take this opportunity to identify themselves with anything traditional. Men and woman dress in traditional clothing and local materials. Jamdani and taant are particularly popular amongst woman during 'Pohela Falgun.' Children and adults alike enjoy adorming floral motifs and Bangla letters hand-painted intricately on their cheeks and hands. Activities of pohela include folk music, dance of indigenous people, poem recitation, drama and local band concerts. One activity that captures the spirit of pohela Falgun is the loud procession, enhanced by the appropriate fanfare, brought out, usually in several phases in the morning, from various points in the country. 'Bakultola' of the Institute of Fine Arts (commonly known as 'Charukola') of Dhaka University is the primary spot where all the festivities begin. Pohela Falgun serves as a reminder of the eternal truth that everything in this universe runs according to a predestined course of life which cannot be overtaken. When the time arrives, nothing can alter that course. Through the various seasons, nature demonstrates patience and demands that we do the same. Pohela Falgun in particular happiness.
