Gujaratis Across the World Celebrate ‘Bestu Varsh’

In News: Gujaratis Worldwide Mark ‘Bestu Varsh’ — The Gujarati New Year with Prayers and Prosperity Rituals

Analysis:

1. Context:
   • The Gujarati community across the world is celebrating ‘Bestu Varsh’, the Gujarati New Year, today.
   • The festival marks the first day of the Kartik month in the Vikram Samvat calendar.
2. Cultural Significance:
   • ‘Bestu Varsh’ follows the festival of Diwali and symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and well-being.
   • The day begins with prayers and temple visits, where devotees seek divine blessings for the upcoming year.
   • The phrase ‘Nutan Varshabhinandan’ is used to wish others a happy new year.
3. Customs and Traditions:
   • People visit friends and family to exchange greetings and offer sweets.
   • Traders and business communities perform ‘Chopda Pujan’, a ceremonial worship of new account books, invoking Goddess Lakshmi for financial prosperity.
   • Major temples across Gujarat witness large gatherings of devotees performing rituals early in the morning.
4. Official Participation:
   • Prominent leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended New Year greetings to citizens.
5. Socio-cultural Relevance:
   • The celebration strengthens the Gujarati cultural identity globally and reflects the continuity of traditional practices despite geographical boundaries.
   • It aligns with the spirit of renewal, gratitude, and community bonding, deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage.
     
     Updated - October 22, 2025 8:05 AM | News On Air