Mughal Emperor Akbar initiated the celebration of the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh or Nobo Borsho, in 1556 AD (though formalized later) to streamline the tax collection process.
- He instructed his astronomer, Fathullah Shirazi, to combine the lunar Islamic Hijri calendar with the solar Hindu calendar, creating the Fasli Shan (harvest calendar).
Key facts about the origin of the Bengali New Year:
- Purpose: To align the tax year with the solar agricultural cycle, as the previously used lunar Hijri calendar made tax collection difficult for farmers.
- Initiator: Emperor Akbar ordered this reform in 1584, dating it back to his ascension in 1556, which was the 963rd year of the Hijri calendar.
- Customs: The celebration originally centered on Halkhata (opening a new, updated book of accounts) and landowners treating tenants with sweets and clearing debts.
- Significance: It has evolved from a fiscal event into a major cultural festival, embodying Bengali pride, unity, and heritage.