AGARTALA, March 27 (TIWN): Markets have been piled up with various items ahead of Pahela Baishakh, even though reduction sale has not been started yet.

Women especially are busier than men and faster in competition of purchasing new dress and various items for households.

This year Pahela Boishakh will be celebrated on April-14, whereas the Chaitra Sankranti will be held on April-13.

Usually on the day of Poila Baishakh, the houses are cleaned and sometimes painted. People take early bath and put in their best dresses. Much of the day is spend by paying a visit to relatives, friends and neighbors. Special food items are prepared on this special occasion of the Bengali New Year. Queues of devotees can be seen at the Kalighat temple where they wait to offer their pujas and prayers and receive blessings from God. A mass gathering is followed at Udaipur Tripura Sundari temple.

Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi are worshiped on this day by people, wherein they pray for health, longevity and the well-being of the family members. Offering prayers to the clouds for water is yet another famous ritual that takes place in the Bengali New Year. On this day, people are required to clear off all the dues and loans. The Bengali New Year or Nabo Borsho is the day to buy and prepare new account books by the Bengali businessmen. It is known as Haalkhata.

Thus all set to goodbye 1423 year in Bengali calendar and 1424 year to be started.