Poush

Poush is the ninth month of the Bengali calendar, used in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. It roughly corresponds to mid-December to mid-January in the Gregorian calendar, with dates shifting slightly by year. The month is part of the lunisolar Bengali calendar, which blends lunar cycles with solar seasons.

The name Poush derives from the Sanskrit Pausha, one of the traditional Hindu lunar months. In the Bengali calendar, Poush typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the year’s calculations.

Climatically, Poush marks the heart of winter in Bengal. The weather is usually cool or cold, with fog and clear, crisp days common in many areas. The month sits at the end of the autumn-winter harvest cycle, and agricultural activity centers on rabi crops and stored produce. Cultural life during Poush often emphasizes warmth, community, and seasonal foods.

Poush Sankranti, observed in parts of Bengal, marks the sun’s transition into the sign of Capricorn. It is celebrated with fairs, songs, and various winter traditions, reflecting regional folk culture and the seasonal change. While practices vary between Bangladesh and West Bengal, the month commonly features traditional music, poetry, and culinary customs associated with winter.

Adjacent months in the Bengali calendar are Agrahayan before Poush and Magh after it. Poush, as a winter month, is one of several periods used in regional timekeeping, agriculture, and cultural life across Bengal.