Agartala, 10th April 2026: With just days to go before Pohela Boishakh, the biggest festival for Bengalis, the festive spirit has already taken over local markets. As in previous years, the arrival of Hal Khata—the traditional ledger book used by traders to mark the new year—signals the season’s cultural touchstone.
Across city markets, shopkeepers are busy purchasing new Hal Khata to welcome customers on the first day of the Bengali calendar. Yet, many traders admit demand has declined compared to earlier times, citing the growing reliance on digital accounting systems. Computers and software now handle most bookkeeping, reducing the need for handwritten ledgers.
Still, a significant number of businesses continue the age-old practice. On New Year’s Day, they invite customers to open fresh accounts in the Hal Khata, reinforcing bonds and fostering goodwill within the trading community.
Meanwhile, no Bengali New Year celebration is complete without a feast, and the centerpiece of that feast is hilsa fish. Ahead of the festival, hilsa has already begun arriving in markets, with traders confirming imports from Bangladesh ensuring a steady supply. Sellers say they are working to keep prices within reach of ordinary buyers, fueling excitement among shoppers.
Together, the blend of traditional Hal Khata rituals and the seasonal arrival of hilsa has set the stage for a vibrant celebration, as markets buzz with preparations for Pohela Boishakh.
