JOHN KERRY WISHES THE BENGALI PEOPLE A HAPPY BENGALI NEW YEAR

USPA NEWS - "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am delighted to send our warmest greetings to all Bengali-speaking people around the world as you celebrate Pahela Boishakh". said John Kerry the US Secretary of State.

Pohela Boishakh or Bengali New Year (Bangla Nôbobôrsho), is occurring on 14 April and is the first day of the Bengali calendar that is tied to the Hindu Vedic solar calendar. It is celebrated in the Bangladesh and in the Indian state of West BEngal, by the Bengali people, and also by minor Bengali communities in other Indian states, including Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand and Orrisa. It coincides with the New Year's days of numerous Southern Asia calendars like Tamil new year Puthandu. The traditional greeting for Bengali New Year is "Shubhô Nôbobôrsho" which is literally "Happy New Year".The development of the Bengali calendar is often attributed to king of Gour or Gauda, Shashanka as the starting date falls squarely within his reign.-----------------------------------------------------------------John Kerry, US Secretary of State, expresses the wishes to the Bengali people on this occasion by saying "The United States joins you in celebrating the history and vibrant culture of the Bengali people. Your rich cultural heritage in song, film, poetry, art, and literature has enriched humanity. As you gather with family and friends to celebrate the New Year, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend."He adds " May the New Year be filled with peace and prosperity. Shubho Nobo Borsho!" in the proper Bengali language.-------------------------------------For more information see: www.state.gov-----------------------------------