Happy New Year, 1418!

Today is Benglali New Year (Nobo Bochor).  On the Bangla calendar, April 14, 2011 (two days before my own new year starts) is the first day of the year 1418.  The Bengalis use this solar-based calendar because one of their emperors was having trouble collecting taxes on time from farmers whose crops just didn't grow based on the Muslim lunar calendar that used to be in place.  He changed things to make sure he got his money.  At least, that's what Mom's Bangla teacher said.

To celebrate Dad's day off, we had a lovely brunch with some new American friends today.

However, we did celebrate Bengali style just a couple of days ago.  I wore the new outfit given to me by the wonderful technology expert at Dad's school.  It's traditional to wear red, white and orange for the new year.  Mom was given her very first sari (pronounced shari here) by the cooks in the class she coordinates on Tuesdays.  I thought she looked pretty strange, but she said it felt quite elegant to wear.  We also got to eat the traditional ilish macsh (salty, bony fish) with rice, curries and chutney.  What a treat!  Mom sure had to be careful since she ate Bengali style (with her right hand) and was in a sari for her first time.

Shubo nobo bochor, everyone!