Pahela Baishakh is the Bengali New Year celebration held on the first day of the Bengali calendar year. It is a national holiday in Bangladesh and is celebrated festively in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The celebration has its origins from the time of Mughal emperor Akbar when people would clear debts and have fairs and festivities on the first day of the new year. Modern celebrations involve preparing traditional foods, wearing traditional dress, going to fairs and processions, and taking part in cultural programs and exchanging greetings.