Gujarati New Year 2024 – Bestu Varas

Gujarati New Year begins on the day of Annakut Puja. Annakut Puja is also known as Govardhan Puja. Gujarati New Year is the time when old account books are closed and new account books are started. Account books in Gujarat are known as Chopra. New account books are worshipped during Diwali Puja and Lakshmiji is prayed for good wishes. This puja is known as Chopra Puja. Auspicious symbols are made on new account books during Chopra Puja to make the coming financial year profitable.

Gujarati New Year 2024 Date 

Gujarati New Year: Saturday, 2 November 2024

Pratipada Tithi Start: 01 November 2024 at 06:16 PM

Pratipada Tithi End: 02 November 2024 at 08:21 PM

How is Bestu Varas Celebrated?

Before the  Bestu Varas, people clean their houses and decorate them with flowers, lights, and rangoli. Special traditional dishes are prepared for the occasion. People pray to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for blessings and good fortune in the new year. They also take blessings from their elders and go to temples. People exchange wishes and gifts with their family members and wish them a happy New Year.

Fireworks are a common part of New Year celebrations, with people lighting fireworks and crackers to welcome the New Year. Bestu Varas is an important cultural event for the Gujarati population. It reflects the rich history and customs of the state. Gujarati New Year is a time of joy, hope, and new beginnings for everyone. It brings people together to celebrate their culture, traditions, and community.

Gujarati New Year 2024: Significance and Tradition

This day holds special significance for traders and businessmen as it marks the beginning of the financial year for them and hence, new ledger books are opened on this auspicious day. Enterprising people, who are mostly engaged in trade, celebrate their Bestu Varas with festivities, feasts, and revelry.

Govardhan Parvat is also worshipped on this day, as according to legends, Lord Krishna worshipped this mountain to save the people of Mathura city in Uttar Pradesh from heavy rains. Most of the people, who were farmers and shepherds, were taught by him that their dharma was towards the mountains and livestock that provided them with food and resources. Then people started worshipping cows and Govardhan Parvat.

But Lord Indra did not like this and he vented his anger on the people. He rained in Gokul for seven consecutive days and seven nights, due to which the whole area got submerged. Then to give shelter and help the people, Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain with his little finger. This made Indra realize his mistake. It is believed that Govardhan Puja continues and is followed even today.

Chopda Pujan

In Gujarati culture, opening new accounts and closing old ones is called Chopra.

Chopda Puja is a ritual to worship Goddess Lakshmi so that the coming year can be more prosperous and fruitful. Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is also worshipped on this day.

In this ritual, the words “Shubh” and “Labh” are written on the new ledger, which symbolizes auspiciousness and profit, respectively.

Bestu Varas Festival

Traditional customs and rituals are performed to welcome the New Year and bid goodbye to the past. It is a day to make wishes and cheer. Bestu Varas is a time to relive all the pain, suffering, and memories of the past year.

New Year in Gujarat is a time of celebration. Since the celebrations increase even more during Diwali, it is a joyous experience for all Gujaratis. Almost all Gujarati homes are decorated with colorful lights and adorned with flowers. On this day, people wear good clothes and visit temples with flowers and sweets. Everyone wishes each other a Happy New Year while worshiping the Lord. The grand Govardhan Puja is also performed in some temples in Gujarat.

A sumptuous meal at the end of the day reflects the festive spirit. Most Gujaratis eat heavy meals on this day. Thus, New Year in Gujarat reflects the true spirit of Indian tradition. The essence of Gujarati culture and religion can be felt in the New Year celebrations. Love, unity, and togetherness are the intangible assets of these celebrations.

Wrapping Up

It is believed that this day brings luck and benefits for the whole year. Gujarati New Year coincides with Govardhan Puja. Thus, the whole day is considered promising. Chopda Puja is also performed on this day. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. If you also want to know the Muhurta to do any auspicious work on this day, then you can take an online astrology consultation.