Pohela Falgun being celebrated nationwide today

The people of Bangladesh today (February 14) are celebrating Pohela Falgun, the first day of the Bangla month of Falgun and the advent of spring, with traditional festivities across the country.

Like recent years, Pohela Falgun this year coincides with Valentine’s Day on February 14, adding further vibrancy to the celebrations.

The arrival of Falgun brings blooming palash, shimul, krishnachura and other seasonal flowers, while gentle southern breezes signal a shift toward warmer days. Though a mild chill still lingers in the air, the atmosphere carries the scent of fresh blossoms and renewed vitality.

Spring holds a special place in Bengali literature and culture, often celebrated in poetry, music and art as a season of love, renewal and inspiration. The cuckoo’s call, tender green leaves and vibrant floral hues together create a festive mood across the country.

Beyond its natural beauty, the season also carries historical resonance. The spirit of the Language Movement and the early days of the Liberation War are closely tied to this time of year, making spring both a cultural and symbolic season for the nation.

In Dhaka and elsewhere, various cultural programmes have been organised to celebrate the day. People dressed in traditional yellow and orange attire are taking part in festivities, welcoming spring with songs, flowers and expressions of joy and hope.

Although the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka will not host any official programme, students are expected to mark the occasion informally on campus.

The date alignment follows the revision of the Bangla calendar, under which Pohela Falgun now falls on February 14 each year. Previously, under the old calendar system, the day was observed on February 13.

The revised calendar, introduced to align Bangla dates with key historical events of 1971, ensures that the Bangla dates of national day remain fixed annually, even though the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates do not change.

According to Bangla Academy, under the updated system the first six months—from Boishakh to Ashwin—have 31 days each, while Kartik to Magh have 30 days. Falgun has 29 days, except in Gregorian leap years when it has 30.