Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas, is a significant festival celebrated by the people of Gujarat. It marks the beginning of the Gujarati calendar and is observed on the day after Diwali. This festival is a time for new beginnings, prayers, and festive celebrations.
Gujarati New Year 2024 falls on November 2, 2024 (Saturday).
The day is filled with joy, cultural traditions, and family gatherings, making it one of the most important festivals in Gujarat. Let’s explore the history, significance, and celebrations of Gujarati New Year 2024.
Why Does Gujarati New Year Fall After Diwali?
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which starts on January 1, the Gujarati New Year follows the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar. The new year begins on Kartik Sud 1, the first day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month.
Since Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya (new moon day), the Gujarati New Year always follows the day after Diwali. This aligns with the agricultural and financial year for many businesses in Gujarat.
Significance of Gujarati New Year
Gujarati New Year is deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and spirituality. It is considered an auspicious time for:
New beginnings – People start fresh in personal and professional life.
Business prosperity – Many traders and merchants close old accounts and start new ones in a ritual called Chopda Pujan.
Religious observance – Devotees visit temples to seek blessings for the coming year.
Family and social bonding – People celebrate with loved ones and exchange greetings.
How Is Gujarati New Year Celebrated?
1. Visiting Temples for Blessings
On the morning of Gujarati New Year, people wake up early, take a bath, and visit temples such as:
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Swaminarayan temples
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Lakshmi Narayan temples
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Lord Krishna temples (Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka is a major site)
They pray for health, wealth, and happiness in the new year.
2. Chopda Pujan – A Business Tradition
For Gujarati traders and businessmen, Chopda Pujan is an essential ritual.
Chopda Pujan (Sacred Account Book Worship):
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Business owners close old account books and open new ledgers (Chopda).
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They write Shubh Labh (Auspicious Profit) on the first page.
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The ceremony is performed in the presence of Goddess Lakshmi for financial success.
3. Decorating Homes and Workplaces
To welcome Bestu Varas, Gujaratis clean and decorate their homes with:
Rangoli (colorful floor patterns)
Diyas (earthen lamps)
Torans (mango leaf garlands) on doors
A clean and decorated home is believed to invite good fortune for the coming year.
4. Wearing New Clothes
It is customary to wear new traditional clothes during Gujarati New Year. Men wear kurta-pajama or dhoti-kurta, while women dress in sarees or lehengas.
5. Preparing and Sharing Festive Sweets
Gujarati New Year is incomplete without delicious sweets and snacks such as:
Sutarfeni – A crispy, sugary treat made from rice flour and ghee.
Magas (Besan Barfi) – A sweet made from chickpea flour, sugar, and nuts.
Fafda and Jalebi – A popular combination enjoyed during festivals.
Families prepare these treats and share them with neighbors, friends, and relatives.
6. Exchanging New Year Greetings
People greet each other with ‘Saal Mubarak’ or ‘Nutan Varshabhinandan’, meaning Happy New Year in Gujarati.
They visit relatives, distribute sweets, and exchange well wishes for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Gujarati New Year and Govardhan Puja
Gujarati New Year often coincides with Govardhan Puja, a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Krishna.
According to mythology, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath (thunderstorms and floods). On this day, devotees offer Chappan Bhog (56 food items) to Krishna in temples.
How Is Gujarati New Year Different from Other Hindu New Years?
While many states in India celebrate New Year on different dates, the Gujarati New Year is unique due to its connection with Diwali and the Vikram Samvat calendar.
Here’s a comparison:
| Festival | Region | Date (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Ugadi | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka | April 9, 2024 |
| Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra | April 9, 2024 |
| Puthandu | Tamil Nadu | April 14, 2024 |
| Baisakhi | Punjab | April 13, 2024 |
| Vishu | Kerala | April 14, 2024 |
| Bestu Varas | Gujarat | November 2, 2024 |
Unlike Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, or Baisakhi, which occur in March-April, Gujarati New Year falls in November, after Diwali.
Gujarati New Year 2024: Travel and Celebration Tips
If you plan to celebrate Bestu Varas 2024 in Gujarat, here are some tips:
Plan temple visits early – Popular temples get crowded on New Year morning.
️ Explore local markets – Buy traditional Gujarati sweets, handicrafts, and festive clothes.
️ Try authentic Gujarati thali – A meal with dhokla, thepla, dal, kadhi, and sweets.
Enjoy fireworks – Many cities, especially Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara, host firework displays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Gujarati New Year celebrated after Diwali?
Gujarati New Year follows the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar, which begins on Kartik Sud 1, the day after Diwali.
2. What is the meaning of ‘Saal Mubarak’?
‘Saal Mubarak’ is a Gujarati greeting meaning ‘Happy New Year’. It is commonly used on Bestu Varas to wish prosperity and happiness.
3. What is the Vikram Samvat year for Gujarati New Year 2024?
Gujarati New Year 2024 marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2081.
4. What is Chopda Pujan?
Chopda Pujan is a business ritual where new account books are opened and worshipped, seeking financial success.
5. How do people celebrate Gujarati New Year?
People celebrate by visiting temples, preparing sweets, decorating homes, wearing new clothes, and exchanging greetings.
Gujarati New Year, or Bestu Varas, is a joyous festival celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and festive traditions. In 2024, it falls on November 2, marking the start of Vikram Samvat 2081.
From temple visits and Chopda Pujan to fireworks and delicious food, Gujarati New Year is a vibrant and meaningful celebration.
Saal Mubarak! Wishing you a prosperous Gujarati New Year 2024!