The Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas or Gujarati Nav Varsh, is one of the most important festivals for Gujaratis around the world. Unlike other regions that celebrate the new year in Chaitra, Gujaratis mark their new year on the day after Diwali, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and gratitude. In 2025, Bestu Varas falls on 22 October, ushering in Vikram Samvat 2082.
The festival is celebrated with religious rituals, family gatherings, Chopda Pujan (worship of account books), cultural programs, and the exchange of greetings and sweets.
Date & Muhurat of Gujarati New Year 2025
| Event | Date (2025) | Day |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja / Amavasya) | 20 October | Monday |
| Gujarati New Year / Bestu Varas | 22 October | Wednesday |
| Vikram Samvat 2082 Begins | 22 October | Wednesday |
| Chopda Pujan Muhurat | 20–21 October | During Diwali |
Note: Muhurat timings differ by city and should be confirmed using a reliable Gujarati Panchang. Chopda Pujan is usually performed on Diwali (Amavasya) with auspicious timing, while New Year greetings and celebrations occur the next day (Pratipada).
Why Gujarati New Year is Celebrated After Diwali
Gujaratis follow the Vikram Samvat lunar calendar, in which Kartik is considered the first month of the year.
- Diwali (Amavasya of Kartik) marks the end of the old year.
- Pratipada (first day of the waxing moon) following Diwali marks the start of the new year, i.e., Bestu Varas.
This tradition reflects the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.
Significance of Bestu Varas
Bestu Varas is a festival with cultural, spiritual, and economic significance:
Spiritual Significance
- Devotees visit temples and perform puja to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Among Vaishnav communities, the day also coincides with Govardhan Puja/Annakut, where a large offering of food is made to Lord Krishna.
Cultural & Social Significance
- Families renew relationships, visit relatives, and exchange blessings.
- It emphasizes forgiveness, goodwill, and community bonding.
Economic Significance
- Chopda Pujan (worship of account books) is performed to bless businesses with prosperity and success.
- New ledgers are opened, and transactions for the new financial year are ceremonially started.
Rituals & Traditions
Chopda Pujan (Account Books Worship)
- Performed mostly by traders, business owners, and families with home businesses.
- Old account books (Chopdas) are closed; new account books are inaugurated with prayers.
- Offerings include flowers, sweets, and coins, accompanied by the chanting of “Shubh Labh” and mantras invoking prosperity.
Temple Visits & Annakut
- Devotees visit temples early in the morning, perform aarti, and offer prayers.
- Annakut involves preparing a variety of vegetarian dishes, arranged in a mountain-like formation, and offered to the deity.
Home Celebrations
- Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli and torans, and illuminated with lamps.
- Families wear new clothes, prepare festive sweets, and gather for meals.
- Elders bless the younger generation, and gifts or symbolic tokens are exchanged.
Greetings & Social Customs
- Common greetings include:
- “Saal Mubarak” – Happy New Year
- “Bestu Varas ni Shubhkamna” – Wishing prosperity in the New Year
- “Nutan Varshabhinandan” – New Year Greetings
- “Saal Mubarak” – Happy New Year
Sweets & Culinary Traditions
Gujarati New Year is synonymous with festive delicacies, which are shared among families and neighbors:
- Mohanthal, Shrikhand, Ladoo
- Ghughra/Gujia
- Farsan like Dhokla, Khandvi, Sev
- Sweetmeats and dry fruits
These culinary offerings symbolize joy, abundance, and generosity.
Celebrations Across Gujarat & Beyond
Gujarat
- Cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot host temple rituals, cultural programs, and community feasts.
- Folk performances, garba dances, and local fairs accompany the celebrations.
Gujarati Diaspora
- Communities in the USA, UK, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East celebrate in temples and cultural centers.
- Timings are adjusted according to local sunset and lunar tithi, and events include Annakut, Aarti, and cultural shows.
Vikram Samvat 2082: The New Year
The Gujarati New Year 2025 marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2082, which holds spiritual, cultural, and historical importance. The day encourages:
- Closure of past accounts and grudges
- New beginnings in business and personal life
- Renewed devotion and family bonding
Modern Practices & Observances
- Urban Gujaratis blend traditional rituals with modern celebrations, including online greetings, social media wishes, and festive family events.
- Businesses combine Chopda Pujan with financial planning for the year.
- Schools, colleges, and community centers host cultural programs, garba nights, and exhibitions highlighting Gujarati heritage.
Summing Up
Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) is a festival of hope, gratitude, and prosperity. It blends spiritual devotion, cultural pride, and economic rituals, making it unique among Indian New Year celebrations.
On 22 October 2025, Gujaratis across the world will welcome Vikram Samvat 2082 with devotion, sweets, family gatherings, and blessings, wishing each other “Saal Mubarak”.
It is a time to reflect, forgive, renew bonds, and start afresh — making it a festival that is deeply meaningful in every sense.
