Bengalis from around the world are celebrating New Year’s day (Poila Baisakh) today on the first day of the month of Baikash. Local TV stations of Calcutta broadcast special programs on this occassion throughout the day.
From early morning, there are sharpen tile lines of devotees and traders in front of various Temples like Kalighat (Temple of goddess Kali), Dakhenaswar Kali temple. On this auspicious day, traders offer special pujas (prayer) to Lord Ganesha (elephant shaped God of business) and open new financial book (haal khata).
Though,for many Bengalis Poila Baisakh may only mean a holiday, most of them enjoy special preparation of fishes like their favourite Hisha. With inflation touching 7.4 percent-the highest in recent years, everything from rice to mustard oil, meat, pulses is dearer this year, most Bengalis have been forced to cut down their elaborate celebration plan. Bengalis wishes each other with ‘SUVO NAVA VARSHA (Happy New Year) Eating out is a must for many Bengalis on this special day.
Restaurants arrange special menus to attract customers. Being an auspicious day,every Bengali wants to enjoy this special day in a big way. Special cultural programs are arranged at Sovabazar Rajbari(erstwhile landlord of Sovabazar) in North Calcutta to mark Piola Baikash.