An examination of the historical and recent developments surrounding West Bengal’s foundation day and cultural celebrations.
In recent news, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly made a critical move by declaring ‘Poila Baisakh,’ the inaugural day of the Bengali year, as ‘Bangla Dibas’ or West Bengal Foundation Day. This follows a dispute in 2023 when Raj Bhavan previously declared June 20 as the State Foundation Day. In response, the Chief Minister emphasized that June 20, associated with the partitioning of India, bears less significance to the establishment of the state. The Assembly also approved the motion to adopt Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’ as the official song of West Bengal.
Understanding Poila Baisakh
Poila Baisakh is a significant festival celebrated by Bengali communities not only in West Bengal but also in Tripura, Jharkhand, Assam, and even Bangladesh. This celebration of the Bengali New Year often takes place in mid-April, with the 2023 event falling on April 15th. The admiration and observance of Poila Baisakh highlight the rich cultural heritage and ongoing traditions within the Bengali communities.
The Historical Significance of June 20
June 20 holds immense historical importance for Bengal. On this day in 1947, the Bengal Legislative Assembly faced a crucial choice regarding the future of Bengal — retain a unified Bengal within India, divide it into East Bengal and West Bengal based on religious lines, or partition it between India and Pakistan. Following significant deliberations and rounds of voting, the decision fell to divide Bengal into West Bengal and East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh). This led to the creation of the Radcliffe Line, delineating the boundary between the two regions.
The Radcliffe Committee and the Partition of Bengal
In connection with the decision made on June 20, a notable point of reference is the Radcliffe Committee. In relevance to the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Services Examination of 2014, where candidates were asked about the purpose of this committee, the Radcliffe Committee was primarily tasked to define the borders between India and Pakistan after the subcontinent’s division. This clarification emphasizes the committee’s role in shaping the territorial boundaries following the partition, most notably the separation of West Bengal and East Pakistan.
The New Foundation Day: A Shift from Partition to Celebration
With the recent decision to officially recognize Poila Baisakh as West Bengal Foundation Day, there is a palpable shift from associating the state’s foundation with the somewhat contentious partition history tied to June 20. The focus now lies in celebrating the vibrant culture and heritage of West Bengal. With Bengalis across regions rejoicing the Bengali New Year, the day serves as an emblem of unity and shared cultural pride, fostering a sense of community among Bengalis.
‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’: West Bengal’s Official Song
Further enriching the state’s cultural tapestry, the West Bengal Assembly has endorsed Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’ as the official song of the state. The song, penned by Tagore, resonates deeply within Bengalis, echoing their love for their land and water. This move not only commemorates Tagore’s literary genius but also enhances the cultural identity of West Bengal.
The transition from a partition-focused narrative surrounding the state’s establishment to a celebration of Bengali culture underlines a definitive step towards embracing the state’s rich heritage. The recognition of Poila Baisakh as West Bengal Foundation Day and the adoption of Tagore’s song mark significant strides in reinforcing the cultural pride of the people of West Bengal.
