Happy Gujarati New Year: Know About Its Significance, History, And Rituals

Bestu Varas or Gujarati New Year , celebrated on November 2, marks the beginning of a new cycle. This day which is known across the India through various name from Gujarati Nav and Padwa, signifies peace, fresh beginnings and prosperity. Check out the date, history, significance, and rituals that people observe on this day.

Historically, the Gujarati New has antecedents rooted in ancient traditions and practices. People clean and decorate homes, wear new clothes, and prepare special festive foods to welcome prosperity and happiness into their lives.

Happy Gujarati New Year: Bestu Varas Date

As per the Vikram Samvat Calendar system, the Gujarati people celebrate their new year on the next day of Diwali . This year, it will be observed on November 2, 2024. The Pratipada Tithi will begin at 06:17 pm on Friday, November 1, 2024, and end at 08:22 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Gujarati New Year: History And significance

Bestu Varas,’ ‘Varsha-Pratipada,’ ‘Gujarati Nav Varsh,’ or ‘Padwa,’ the Gujarati New Year celebnratethe day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. According to mythology, this happened when Lord Krishna once saw the people of Gokul organising prayers and preparing offerings for Lord Indra. He told the Gokul residents that their responsibility is to do farming and to protect the cattle to the best of their abilities and told them that the prayers and offerings will not bring them miracles.

Gujarati New Year: Bestu Varas rituals

The Gujarati people celebrate the start of this new year by closing the old chopda, the traditional accounting books, and opening the new chopda. The devotees also include the new chopda during the Diwali puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. There is also a ritual to draw a Swastik symbol on the book and write Shubh Labh. This is believed to help you ensure a profitable financial year ahead.