Celebrations across West Bengal to usher in New Year

"Poila Baishakh", the Bengali New Year, was celebrated across West Bengal today as people thronged temples and opened "haal khata" (ledger books) in shops and markets in keeping with tradition.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted the people on the occasion via Twitter and Facebook posts. Banerjee also visited the Kalighat Temple early today.

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. 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 to the people of West Bengal and Bengalis all over the country as also abroad and wish them a happy, prosperous and joyful new year."