Bestu Varas: Welcoming the Gujarati New Year with Joy and Tradition

As the vibrant lights of Diwali begin to dim, the state of Gujarat bursts into celebration once more with the arrival of the Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas. This auspicious occasion marks the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar year and is steeped in cultural richness, spiritual significance, and joyous traditions.

A New Dawn After Diwali

Falling on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Kartik month, just a day after Diwali, the Gujarati New Year is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings. In 2025, this festive day will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22, ushering in Vikram Samvat 2082.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which begins on January 1st, the Gujarati calendar aligns its new year with the lunar cycle, making this celebration unique to the region and its traditions.

The Spiritual Significance

The origins of Bestu Varas are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. One of the most cherished legends associated with this day is that of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. This act of divine intervention is commemorated through Govardhan Puja, symbolizing the triumph of devotion and humility over arrogance and wrath.

This day is also known as Varsha-Pratipada or Padwa, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Gujaratis as a time to express gratitude, seek blessings, and embrace new opportunities.

Traditions That Illuminate the Day

The Gujarati New Year is a sensory delight, filled with color, light, and flavor. Homes are meticulously cleaned and adorned with rangoli designs and decorative lights. Families don new clothes and gather to perform Govardhan Puja, offering prayers and sweets to the deities.

One of the most significant rituals is Chopda Pujan, where businesspeople open new account books, called Chopda, and perform a special puja to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom. This ritual symbolizes a fresh financial start and is considered highly auspicious for prosperity in the coming year.

The air is filled with the sounds of firecrackers, the aroma of traditional sweets, and the warmth of heartfelt greetings. Friends and family visit one another, exchanging good wishes with the phrase “Saal Mubarak”, which means “Happy New Year.”

A Festival of Renewal and Hope

More than just a change in the calendar, the Gujarati New Year is a celebration of life, resilience, and community. It’s a time to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with promise and positivity.

As Gujarat and its people step into Vikram Samvat 2082, the spirit of Bestu Varas serves as a beautiful reminder that every ending is simply the beginning of something new.

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