Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas)
Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas, and Varsha Pratipada, is arriving on November 2, 2024. It is a public holiday in Gujarat. The new year of Gujaratis rings in a day after Diwali so celebrations are doubled!
Bestu Varas is especially important for Gujarati businessmen and traders because on this day, the old accounts are closed and new accounts are opened.
Gujarati New Year Rituals and Traditions
There are many diverse, old and new traditions and rituals that mark the Gujarati new year including puja, regional delicacies, charitable acts, and so on.
Businessmen close old booking accounts and start new ones
Chopa Puja is performed on this day.
As Gujarati new year commences immediately after Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is worshipped for a good financial year ahead. This is a tradition where businessmen conduct a special worship of their account books as a way to close the old year’s books and start new ledgers with auspicious blessings.
Houses are cleaned and decorated
Prior to the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to eliminate negative energies from the past year. Cleaning is symbolic of removing obstacles and creating a fresh, welcoming environment for new beginnings.
This means beautiful rangolis, fresh flowers, lamps, diyas and so on.
Local Delicacies are cooked
Gujarati New Year is incomplete without their mouth-watering regional delicacies. This includes Dhokla, Dahi vada, Khandvi, Ghugra, Bhajiya, Mathia, Fafda, Chorafali, Shrikhand, Puran Poli, Suran and so on.
Families gather and celebrate together
Since it is the new year, families and close ones gather together to celebrate it together. They share sweets and gifts and pray for a good and fruitful new year ahead.
Helping People in Need
Many Gujaratis believe in starting the year with charity, which often includes distributing food, clothes, and other essentials to those in need. It’s common for people to donate money to temples or community organizations as a way of giving back to society and inviting blessings.
History Behind Bestu Varas
The story behind the celebration is a tale quite popular in India. Lord Krishna had advised the people of Gokul not to offer so many things to appease Lord Indra. Instead they can direct their offerings to the hills and cattle which help the villagers sustain their livelihoods.
Thus, the farmers and shepherds listened to Lord Krishna which enraged Lord Indra. As a punishment, he rained and flooded Gokul for seven straight days. However, Lord Krishna protected the villagers by lifting the Govardhan parvat on his pinky finger and sheltering everyone.
Lord Indra also realized his mistake and apologized to Lord Krishna. This is why Govardhan puja is performed on this day.
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