Dhaka, April 25 -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed Apr 14 as Bangla New Year Day.

The New York Senate recognised the occasion as one of the official days set aside to "increase awareness and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State," according to Assembly Resolution No. 1095.

The resolution noted that the day has its origins in the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent and described it as "largely a secular holiday for most celebrants and enjoyed by people of several different faiths and backgrounds through music, dance, and fine arts".

The Bangla New Year is based in the agrarian economy of the Indian subcontinent and combines the solar Hindu calendar ...