Pohela Boishakh is an emotion for Bengalis: Rituparna

As the Bengali community ushers in the new year with prayers and gratitude for the harvest today, actor-producer Rituparna Sengupta describes Pohela Boishakh as more than "just a festival".

- Akash Bhatnagar

"Pohela Boishakh is an emotion for Bengalis," she tells us and elaborates, "It marks a fresh beginning — new clothes, new food and new ventures."

Thinking back fondly on celebrating the festival as a child, Rituparna says, "We used to seek blessing from our elders and then have pooja. We would get decked up in new dresses and enjoy a hearty Bengali meal. Of course, sweets are an integral part of the celebrations through which we instil love and affection."