Kolkata, Apr 15 : Bengalis have ushered in their traditional New Year with musical processions as they celebrated 'Poila Baisakh' on Sunday.

'Poila Baisakh' marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year and is a time for Bengalis to go back to their roots and celebrate.

The melodious strains of Rabindra Sangeet, songs written and composed by Nobel laureate and poet Rabindranath Tagore filled the air as women wearing bright colourful saris and men in white tunics walked through the city streets singing the songs.

But the day is not only about traditional songs and dances alone, their cuisine is also an integral part of celebrations and homemade delicacies are a must on this day.

Monishri Gupta, a resident said the festivity helps to bond with the past.

"Actually Bengalis celebrate 'Poila Boisakh' in a very gorgeous way.hey try their best to bring out the old tradition in their modern life. It is a union of the past and the present. We just go out to meet relatives and friends. They try to renew the old promises they couldn't keep and it's another beginning," Gupta said.

Traditionally, the festival is a day to be spent rejoicing with family and friends. For traders, it is time to close one set of accounts and open another.

'Poila Baisakh' celebrations spread through almost a week and a variety of cultural programmes are held across the state to mark the occasion.