Washington:
US Secretary of State John Kerry has sent his 'Poila Baisakh' or New Year greetings to the Bengali-speaking people across the world, particularly those living in Bangladesh and West Bengal.
"On behalf of President Obama, I convey my warm greetings to all Bengali-speaking people around the world as you celebrate Poila Baisakh. The American people wish you all happiness and prosperity in the New Year," Mr Kerry said in a statement.
"The vibrant Bengali-American diaspora will join the global Bengali community in gathering with family and friends to celebrate your many accomplishments," he said.
"As the New Year begins, let us all celebrate the rich cultures of West Bengal and Bangladesh in a spirit of optimism and mutual appreciation.'Shubho Nobo Borsho!..," Mr Kerry said in his greeting message.
'Poila Baisakh' - the first day of the year marks the beginning of the new accounting year for Bengali traders, who worship 'Lakshmi' and 'Ganesh' after taking holy dip in rivers including the Ganga.
'Poila Baisakh' in 2013 falls on April 15. The Bengali New Year is popularly referred as 'Naba Barsa' in Bengal and 'Pohela or Poila Baisakh' in Bangladesh and is the first day in the Bengali Calendar.