India, April 14 -- Poila Baisakh, also known as Pahela Baishakh, celebrates the Bengali New Year, which is observed by people of Bengali descent worldwide. It typically falls on April 14 or 15, with this year's celebration on April 15. This festival, which also signifies the spring harvest, marks the first day of the Bengali New Year and is an important holiday in several Indian states, including West Bengal, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Assam. In Bangladesh, it is celebrated as a largely secular festival in cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Tangail, among others.

Check out our story on Kolkata's top eateries for Bengali New Year celebrations.

Poila Baisakh: History and cultural significance File photo of Poila Baisakh celebrations in Dhaka...