Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal Declared as the State Song of West Bengal

The state government of West Bengal have declared the song Banglar Mati, Bangler Jal, written by Rabindranath Tagore, as the official state song. Also, Poila Baishak, the first day of the Bengali calendar, has been declared as Bangla Divas.  

Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore wrote the song Banglar Mati, Bangler Jal in 1905 to oppose the partition of Bengal by the British Raj. The government of West Bengal have declared that this song will be played at the beginning of every state event, and the National Anthem of India will be played at the conclusion. Much like the National Anthem, people are asked to sing this song with the utmost respect and dignity while standing up.  

The Central Government put forward the idea to celebrate 20th June as the official day, as it was on that day in 1947 that West Bengal decided to remain a part of India after the partition. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, was against this idea and came forward to declare the first day of the Bengali calendar as the Bengal Diwas. Poila Boisakh generally falls on the 14th or 15th of April. 

With this declaration, fourteen states of India have an official state song. These decisions taken by the state government honour the rich culture and heritage of West Bengal.