Naba Barsha or Poila Baisakh is the traditional Hindu New Year in West Bengal and Bangladesh . It is celebrated in the month of Vaishakh or Baisakh (April – May). In 2024, the date of Nababarsha or Poila Baisakh is April 14. The New Year is popularly referred as Naba Barsa or Nava Varsha in Bengal and Pohela or Poila Baisakh in Bangladesh . It is the first day in the traditional Hindu Bengali Calendar. In Bengali houses, Naba Barsa is welcomed with elaborate alpanas (rangolis). A kalash is placed in the center of the alpana pattern and it symbolizes prosperity. Houses are elaborately decorated with flowers as there is no shortage of flowers during this season. Another important event is the Prabhat Pheris or early morning processions. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha are worshipped on the Bengali New Year day. Traders perform the halkhata ceremony that marks the advent of the Bengali New Year. All shops are decorated with flowers and one wi