Poush

Poush (Bengali: পৌষ; Nepali: पौष) is the 9th month of both the Bengali calendar and the Nepali calendar. It overlaps December and January of the Gregorian calendar. It is the first month of the winter season.

This month is named after the star Pushya (পুষ্যা). This month marks the start of Winter (শীত Shīt) in the Bengali calendar.

During Poush crops are harvested and farmers often have ample food and income. Poush is therefore thought of as a good month. Bengali people celebrate Poush Sankranti as one of their festival on the last day of Poush. They make desserts at their homes and share those among each others.

In his novel Ganadevata, the noted Bengali writer Tarashankar Bandopadhyay quotes a rural rhyme:

Poush-Poush, golden Poush, Come Poush but don't go away, don't ever leave, Don't leave Poush, don't, The husband and son will eat a full bowl of rice.