Dhaka, April 14 -- As the first day of the Bengali calendar, Pohela Boishakh, dawns with joyous parades, music, and the aroma of traditional delicacies, one of the most enduring and culturally rich practices quietly takes place across Bangladesh - the celebration of Halkhata, a centuries-old tradition symbolizing ledger book renewal, community bonds, and cultural pride.

Rooted in the Mughal era, the practice of Halkhata - which literally means "new ledger" - originated during the reign of Emperor Akbar, who introduced the Bengali calendar to ease tax collection for local farmers. Over time, what began as a fiscal measure gradually evolved into a deeply embedded cultural custom. Traders and business owners embrace Halkhata as a day to clo...