Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year)

Bestu Varas is the grand and joyful Gujarati New Year, commencing the new year of the historic Vikram Samvat calendar. Celebrated on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, usually the day after Diwali, it represents a fresh dawn of hope, forgiveness, commercial prosperity, and family reunion.

On this day, people set aside past grievances and misunderstandings, and business families open new account books, so relationships and accounts begin anew. People dress in new festive clothes, touch the feet of elders, and exchange the heartfelt greeting of 'Saal Mubarak' ('May your year be blessed'). It is also celebrated as Annakutotsav in temples, where hundreds of delicious culinary preparations are offered to Lord Krishna.

The celebration of Bestu Varas connects to two monumental milestones: the founding of the Vikram Samvat era, traditionally credited to the legendary King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, and the beloved Dvapara Yuga pastime of Govardhan Puja.

In Vraja, Lord Krishna dissuaded the cowherds from making ritual sacrifices to Indra, urging them instead to worship Mount Govardhan, nature, and the cows that nourished them. When Indra unleashed torrential storms in anger, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven continuous days, sheltering all beings. On Kartik Sud Ekam, Indra surrendered in humility, and the people of Vraja celebrated with a grand Annakut feast, marking the day as a new beginning of divine grace.

• Wake early at dawn, bathe, and dress in brand-new festive clothing.
• Touch the feet of parents, grandparents, and elder relatives to receive their blessings for a prosperous year.
• Participate in the auspicious Sabras tradition: purchase raw sea salt from morning vendors crying 'Sabras Lyo' and sprinkle a pinch in the kitchen to invite lasting abundance.
• Draw beautiful colorful rangolis and auspicious Swastika symbols at the front threshold of the home.
• Visit local temples, particularly Krishna and Swaminarayan shrines, to participate in the magnificent Annakut Darshan.
• Visit homes of friends, relatives, and neighbors to share sweets and exchange warm 'Saal Mubarak' and 'Nutan Varshabhinandan' greetings.

• Sabras (auspicious sea salt)
• Rangoli colors and fresh flower garlands
• Kumkum, turmeric, and unbroken rice (akshat) for tilak
• Assortment of festive sweets: Ghari, Mohanthal, and dry fruits

• Forgive past bitterness, reconcile differences, and start the new year with a joyful heart.
• Greet everyone warmly with 'Saal Mubarak' and respect elders.
• Do not quarrel, show anger, or weep on the first day of the new year.
• Avoid lending or borrowing money on this opening day of the calendar.

• Grand Annakut feast: dozens of traditional vegetarian dishes offered to Lord Krishna
• Traditional sweets: Mohanthal, Surat Ghari, Shrikhand, and Basundi
• Savory festive fare: Surti Undhiyu, Puri, Khaman, and Fafda

This is a day of feasting and joyful celebration with family.

Celebrated with boundless pomp and pageantry throughout Gujarat, Mumbai, and worldwide Gujarati communities, making it the biggest social occasion of the Gujarati year.