Gujarati New Year 2023, Celebrating Bestu Varas

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Gujarati New Year 2023

In the lively state of Gujarat, people are thrilled to welcome the New Year. This year, in 2023, the Gujarati New Year, also known as ‘Bestu Varas,’ falls on Tuesday, Nov 14. It’s a day filled with happiness and festivities, marking the beginning of a new year for Gujarati folks. Let’s explore the fun traditions of this special day and see how it’s a bit different from other New Year celebrations in India.

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Gujarati New Year 2023: A Unique Beginning

While in some parts of India, like during Guddi Padwa and Ugadi, the New Year starts in the Chaitra month, in Gujarat, it begins on the day after Diwali. This means it falls on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Kartik month. It’s cool to see how different places have their own special ways of celebrating the New Year.

The Many Names of Gujarati New Year

People call the Gujarati New Year by different names like ‘Bestu Varas,’ ‘Varsha-Pratipada,’ or just ‘Padwa.’ Sometimes, they also say Gujarati Nav Varsh. But most of the time, you’ll hear ‘Bestu Varas,’ which simply means ‘new year.’ These different names show how the day is important and connected to the culture of the people.

History and Significance: A Story About Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill

The story behind the Gujarati New Year is pretty cool. A long time ago, Lord Krishna told the people of Gokul to focus on farming instead of doing big ceremonies for a god named Lord Indra. This made Lord Indra mad, and he flooded Gokul. But guess what? Lord Krishna lifted a big hill with just his finger to protect everyone. After that, the people started celebrating this day as the Gujarati New Year.

Gujarati New Year Day: Nov 14, 2023

This year, the Gujarati New Year is on Tuesday, Nov 14. The first day, called Pratipada, starts on November 13, 2023, at 02:56 PM and ends on November 14, 2023, at 02:36 PM. It’s like saying bye to the old year (which is Vikram Samvat 2079) and starting a new one (Vikram Samvat 2080).

Rituals for Bestu Varas: Making Everything New and Lucky

On the Gujarati New Year, people close their old account books, which they call ‘Chopda,’ and open new ones. This happens during Diwali Puja, where they worship Goddess Lakshmi. They write good and lucky things in the new books and draw a Swastika for good luck. This is a big deal for businesses in Gujarat, and they do it in front of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.

A Day of Fun and Joy

Apart from all the serious stuff, the Gujarati New Year is a day of fun. People clean their houses, go to temples in the morning for good luck, burst some fireworks, eat yummy sweets, and get dressed up to meet friends and family. It’s like having a big party!

Conclusion: Bestu Varas – A Special Day of Fun and Unity

As Gujaratis celebrate Bestu Varas, it’s not just about the history and traditions; it’s also about coming together and having a good time. From worshipping hills to starting new account books, every little thing adds to the excitement of the Gujarati New Year, making it a day to remember and celebrate with joy.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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