Haal Khata

Mughal emperor Akbar established a new calendar based on the old solar Bengali calendar in 1584 to ease taxation. The Mughals used "Halkhata Mahurat" to collect taxes and the tradition of Haal Khata is believed to be originated from this.[2] Haal Khata is a Bengali tradition that is over 430 years old. Haal means updating and Khata means ledger.[2]

Originally the halkhata ritual was started by Bengali Muslims. Before the Bengalis start the halkhata, they write "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim" and "Elahi Bharsa" on the first page of the halkhata. The word 'Halkhata' is a Muslim Bengali word. The word 'Hal' is derived from the Persian language. The Persian word 'Hal' means 'New'. Once upon a time, Nawab Murshid Quli Khan of Bengal introduced a new custom, which was once known as 'Punyah'. Although the festival of 'Punyah' has been lost in the passage of time, Halkhata still survives in its glory. Before the opening of Halkhata, the Muslims of old Dhaka organize a Dawat of Halkhata. Before this Halkhata Dawat, invitation letters are distributed to invite. Bengali religious rites are performed. Wishes for good business at the beginning of the new year. Sweets are distributed at the end of these mahfils. Many businessmen choose any day between the day before and the day after Pahela Baisakh to offer halkhatar dawat, doa and milad. New Year's Day is all Bengali Muslim traders entertain buyers or visitors with sweet and cold drinks.Halkhata creates a bridge of cordial relationship between buyers and sellers.[3]Later Hindus adopted this custom. On the first day of the Bengali year, traders close old ledgers and open a new ledger for the new year.[4][5] Customers are invited to settle old debts and start fresh.[6] The event is marked by a special Puja by the Hindu traders & shopkeepers.[7] Seeking to improve their relationship with customers, traders give sweets, snacks, or gifts to them.[8] The festival is celebrated in Bangladesh and West Bengal, and Tripura, India.[8] It is believed to bring good luck to the business.[9]