India, April 15 -- As the Bengali community ushers in the new year with prayers and gratitude for the harvest today - on Poila Baisakh/Pohela Boishakh - actor-producer Rituparna Sengupta describes it as more than "just a festival". "Pohela Boishakh is an emotion for Bengalis," she tells us and elaborates, "It marks a fresh beginning - new clothes, new food and new ventures and warm exchanges among the community."

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

The 53-year-old, who l...