Agartala/Silchar, April 14 (IANS): Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year 1423, was celebrated on Thursday with great enthusiasm in Bengali-dominated Tripura and southern Assam.

The day started with 'Probhaat Pheri' or morning processions followed by various cultural programmes. Pujas were performed in temples and prayers offered for the well being of the loved ones.

In Agartala, the centre of attraction was a function organised by a cultural organisation Kabyalok.

"Singers, dancers, artists and elocutionists from Bangladesh, Kolkata and Tripura are taking part in numerous events to welcome the Bengali new year," Kabyalok's secretary Uttam Chakraborty told IANS.

"We have been organising 'Barshabaran' (welcoming the new year) programme for the past 20 years. Besides the Bengalis, tribal and other communities also participate in the function," he said.

'Poila' means first and 'Boishakh' is the foremost month of the Bengali calendar.

The day is considered auspicious for starting new business. 

A special type of puja, known as 'Haal Khata' puja, is performed in shops, temples and offices to mark the start of a new business year on Poila Boishakh.

Government declared a holiday and private offices, including newspaper offices, remained closed on the occasion.