Kolkata: West Bengal today celebrated 'Poila Baisakh', the Bengali New Year, with great gusto and fervour as people thronged temples and opened new ledger books in shops on the occasion.


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West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today wished all a very happy and prosperous Bengali New Year through Twitter and Facebook posts.


In his message, West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi said, "May the Bengali New Year bring with it peace and prosperity to all people of the state irrespective of caste, creed and religion. I pray that this New Year fulfills the hopes and desires of the entire people of West Bengal. On this auspicious occasion, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes for the well-being of the people of the state."


"Prabhat Pheris" (morning cultural processions) were witnessed this morning in many localities of north Kolkata with children decked up in special attires dancing to Rabindra Sangeet heralding the advent of the first month of the Bengali New Year ? "Baisakh".


Thousands of devotees thronged Dakshineswar Kali temple seeking blessings for prosperity. Traders opened new account books popular as "Haal Khata" following the rituals observed during "Poila Baisakh".


In the Maidan, "Bar Pujo" was celebrated at Mohun Bagan ground as well as the East Bengal ground with cheer in the presence of supporters, club officials and members.


Long queues were seen in front of restaurants serving Bengali delicacies on this special day.


Several Bengali restaurants have rolled out "Bhetki Paturi" and "Gandhoraj Chicken", "Baked Rosogolla" for the occasion.