Are you celebrating new milestones or marking a special occasion? Make your day even more memorable by saying ‘cheers’ in Bengali and giving a personal touch to that special moment. Shubhechha! (শুভেচ্ছা!) and Joy hok! (জয় হোক!) are some of the popular Bengali toasting phrases that capture the warmth and connection that define Bengali culture.
In this post, I’m going to teach you how to say cheers in Bengali using five popular toasting phrases that you can use during special occasions. So, if you want to learn how to toast like a true Bengali, keep reading.
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The Art Of Toasting In Bengali: A Cultural Celebration
In Bengali culture, making a toast goes beyond just clinking glasses. It’s a gesture of respect, a way to wish others well, and an expression of unity. For Bengalis, especially those from Kolkata, toasting symbolizes good wishes, honor, and joy, bringing people together in celebration.
Toasting is a time-honored tradition that brings people together to celebrate moments of triumph or fellowship. In Bengali culture, toasting is very important, and every phrase and gesture adds warmth and a feeling of togetherness. In Bengal, toasting is a part of a wedding, a birthday party, or any other festive occasion, which is a way of bonding, wishing, and celebrating. It is traditional to make a wish during a toast, with people often wishing the celebrant happiness, good health, prosperity, and a long life.
Toasting During Festivals And Special Occasions
In Bengali society, toasting is one of the most significant features of festivals and other festive seasons. Thus, no matter whether the event is Durga Puja, Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year), or a wedding, a toast is a meaningful way to honor the significance of the event.
Here’s a look at some occasions when toasting is particularly important:
Durga Puja
During the Durga Puja festival, people go to the pandals and their homes to pray, have fun, and enjoy delicious meals. Blessings are shared in the form of toasts to express wishes of prosperity for the family and the community. The phrase Swasthyer Jonno (স্বাস্থ্যের জন্য), which means ‘for health,’ is commonly used as people gather to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year)
The first day of the Bengali year is the day of a new era, new hope, and a new start. Curses and blessings are uttered to wish success, joy, and good health throughout the following year. Traditional toasts like Jiban Hok Modhur (জীবন হোক মধুর), meaning ‘may life be sweet,’ are shared as part of the New Year’s festivities.
Weddings And Milestones
Marriages in the Bengali community are a very big occasion, and toasting is an integral part of them. They symbolize the union of two families and are made to wish for success, joy, sweetness, and blessings of happiness and wealth.
5 Popular Bengali Toasting Phrases: Meaning And Significance
Toast is a part of the cultures of many nations, and it is based on opposition to evil, joy, and the desire for a good conversation. As I grew up in a Bengali community, I have always noticed that traditional toasts are symbolic and generally for health, wealth, and happiness.
Now, let me quickly share with you five popular Bengali toasting phrases—or ways to say cheers in Bengali—that I experienced while growing up.
1. For Your Success – Apnar Saphalyer Jonno! (আপনার সাফল্যের জন্য!)
Apnar Saphalyer Jonno! (আপনার সাফল্যের জন্য!) means: for your success!
This phrase is used to toast both your current and future success, celebrating effort and its outcome. I have always seen our seniors and teachers use this toasting phrase in our college to celebrate achievements.
2. For Endless Happiness! – Ananto Shukher Jonno (অনন্ত সুখের জন্য)
Ananto Shukher Jonno (অনন্ত সুখের জন্য) translates as endless happiness! This expression is a way of saying ‘have a happy life.’ I have heard my parents and relatives using this phrase during our cousin’s weddings, important events, and birthday parties.
3. To Joy! – Anande (আনন্দে)
“Anande” (আনন্দে) means “To joy!” It is a rather simple phrase that captures the essence of celebrating happiness. Ānande is more universal but far deeper, meaning to ‘rejoice in life.’ This phrase is more commonly used during casual occasions where people get together to enjoy each other’s company.
4. Best Wishes! – Shubhokamona (শুভকামনা)
The word Shubhokamona (শুভকামনা) means ‘best wishes!’ and is used as a toast to wish someone well for the future. It can be used for any purpose, whether related to career accomplishments or personal achievements.
5. For Health! – Swasthyer Jonno (স্বাস্থ্যের জন্য)
Swasthyer Jonno (স্বাস্থ্যের জন্য) means ‘for health!’ In Bengali tradition, it is commonly used when people raise a toast. It is often the first wish at any event, as health is regarded as one of life’s most valuable gifts.
This phrase is particularly suitable at the beginning of events such as New Year celebrations, birthdays, and weddings, as well as for friends who have lived a long life.
Vocabulary Related To Saying ‘Cheers’ In Bengali
Here are some cheers-related vocabulary words in Bengali covering toasting, health, and celebration:
How Do You Say Cheers In Bengali?
To say cheers in Bengali, you can say Cheers (চিয়ার্স), which is a direct transliteration from English and commonly used in informal settings.
Frequently Asked Questions On Cheers In Bengali
1. What Are The Most Common Greetings In Bengali?
Greetings in Bengali are time— and formal-specific, and people use different words for daytime and formal settings. One of the most used greetings is Nomoskar (নমস্কার), which is similar to hello and is used in formal situations. For the morning, Suprabhat (সুপ্রভাত), meaning ‘good morning’; for the evening, Shubho Sandhya (শুভ সন্ধ্যা); and for good night, Shubho Raatri (শুভ রাত্রী), are popular greetings in Bengali.
2. Are Toasts Common During Bengali Family Gatherings?
Yes, toasts are popular in Bengali families and are mostly made during special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or any other significant event.
3. Why Is ‘Health’ Emphasized In Bengali Toasts?
As in all Bengali traditions, health is considered the biggest asset because, without good health, nothing else is possible – not wealth, not joy, or success. Therefore, when you make a toast with Swasthya (স্বাস্থ্য) you are not only wishing for a long and healthy life but also strength to enjoy the bounties of life to the hilt.
Cheers!
The art of toasting has been practiced for a very long time. In Bengali culture, it is a beautiful tradition to come together and share the joy of new milestones in one’s life. It is not about raising a toast and drinking—it is about drinking for the health, prosperity, and well-being of your neighbors. It doesn’t matter whether you are celebrating a wedding, a birthday, or just the pleasure of good companionship. When toasts are infused with the color and vibrancy of Bengal, words are not just words but symbols of goodwill.
If you want to learn to say more than cheers in Bengali and to get a taste of the richness of the language and culture, the Ling app won’t let you down. This platform allows you to learn not only vocabulary and grammar but also important aspects of Bengali culture. So, don’t hesitate— give it a try and see all that Ling has to offer.
