AGARTALA, April 13 (TIWN): With the beginning of the New Year celebration, traders are normally witnessed performing Haal Khata puja for the fresh starting of their business and sales of Haal Khata go high.

But this year, due to much necessitated lockdown for COVID19 outbreak across world, shops are closed and people are staying at homes, leading a massive loss in businesses.

Tomorrow is “Pahela Boishakh” whereas today is Makar Sankranti. On this day (Pahela Boishakh) people also ask the pandit of the temple to perform puja on their vehicles.

'Khata' means account book, while 'Hal' means updating. So, the Haalkhata day means when traders update their old account book and start a new one.

Businesses invite their clients on the day and entertain them with sweets and other traditional foods. Customers come and pay their dues and this way the annual account book is updated and the interaction between traders and their clients remain vibrant.