Bengalis welcome year 1414

Kolkata, Apr 14 (UNI) Bengalis across the state are gearing up to ring in the year 1414 which starts tomorrow on 'Poila Baisakh'.

The first day of the Bengali new year also marks the new crop cycle and is celebrated with great fervour in Bengali homes. In fact, Punjabis too celebrate the day as 'Baisakhi'.

The day is spent in feasting and participating in cultural activities. People wish each other 'Shubho Nabo Borsho'.

Traders go to the Kali temples and perform puja of their 'Haal-Khata' or account books. The priests draw 'Swastikas' on the new account book to please Lord Ganesha.

People worship Goddess Lakshmi for well-being and prosperity.

Women draw beautiful designs called 'Alpana' in front of their homes. People dress in new clothes and exchange sweets and greetings.

The month of Baisakh(mid-April to mid-May) is also considered auspicious for weddings.

However, for a decade or so, 'Poila Baishakh' has assumed a more cosmopolitan hue with young people hanging out in resturants and multiplexes. Expensive restaurants are offering Bengali delicacies to woo customers not all of whom are Bengalis.

Even the mobile service providers are trying to cash in on the festive frenzy by sms-cards, Bangla tunes and 'Illish Quiz'.

UNI