WHY IN THE NEWS?

Gujarati New Year, dubbed as Bestu Varas, was observed on November 5.

• This day is observed on Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month of Hindu calendar.
• Shukla Paksha marks the beginning of Gujarati New Year.

About Bestu Varas

• Bestu Varas is related to lord Shri Krishna.
• As per mythology, Lord Krishna spent his early years in Braj and raised questions regarding offerings made to Lord Indra.
• Lord Krishna always detested appeasement, while encouraging people to do what was approved by Dharma and was right. As a result, Local discontinued the offerings to Lord Indra.
• But to avenge this insult, Lord Indra lashed the Braj region with torrential rains and thunderstorms. This led to the loss of property and livestock.
• To end this sufferings, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger to provide shelter to cattle and livestock.
• India continued this for seven days and on the eighth day, he conceded defeat and bow before Lord Krishna.
• This way, started the tradition of praying to the Govardhan mountain.

How this day is celebrated?

To mark this day, traders close their old account books & open new ones, a day before this. They paint the sacred Swastika symbol and write shubh labh on it. People worship Devi Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth and Devi Saraswati, who is the Goddess of learning.

Significance of the day

It is believed that, the day brings luck and profit throughout the year. During this day, no tithi is observed to pray and perform the rituals. Gujarati New Year coincides with Govardhan Puja. Thus, the whole day is considered promising and auspicious. On this day, Chopda Puja is also performed. It is devoted to Goddess Laxmi.