New York State Senate has adopted a significant resolution calling for 14 April to be officially designated as “Bangla New Year Day”, opening a new chapter in the recognition of Bengali heritage.
The resolution, passed during a session at the State Capitol on 22 April, marked the grand conclusion of a three-day festival organised by the expatriate community.
The resolution was introduced at 11:15am by Senators Luis R Sepúlveda, Nathalia Fernandez, and Toby Ann Stavisky.
Addressing the chamber, Senator Stavisky noted that the resolution serves as a tribute to the vital role Bengalis play in New York’s education, business, and cultural sectors. The move received a standing ovation from around 50 prominent expatriate Bengalis in attendance.
The measure officially urges Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 14 April 2026, as “Bangla New Year Day” in New York State. It highlights Pohela Baishakh as a non-sectarian festival with roots in the Mughal-era agricultural economy, celebrating the shared traditions of music, dance, and fine arts across all communities.
New York State Legislature specifically recognised the three decades of cultural advocacy by the Muktadhara Foundation and its founder, Bishwajit Saha.
Bishwajit, who also serves as the President of NRB Worldwide, was included in the official distribution list for the resolution, affirming his contributions to promoting the Bengali language and culture.
“We want to establish the celebration of the Bengali New Year beyond the expatriate community and into mainstream American society,” said Bishwajit during the event.
Following the legislative session, an enchanting cultural program was held at the Capitol featuring Rabindra Sangeet, folk music by Baul artist Md Shahin Hossain, and performances by child artist Bhasha Saha and Durga Kshatriya.
The program, directed by Mohitosh Talukder Tapas, concluded with a collective rendition of the National Anthem of Bangladesh.
The festivities began on 11 April at Times Square and Jackson Heights before reaching this historic finale in Albany. Advocates view the resolution as a major milestone toward making the Bengali New Year an official cultural day in New York State.
