Delhi, 22 October (H.S.): On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Gujarat on the occasion of their New Year, known as Bestu Varas. The day marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2082 for Gujaratis and is celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the state and by the diaspora worldwide.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister shared his wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity for all. He wrote:“Happy New Year…!!!Warm wishes for the new year that begins today, may it bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and joy to all of your lives.I pray from the bottom of my heart that the hardworking people and rich culture of this fertile soil of Gujarat will become even more vibrant.Happy New Year!”.

Celebrated on the day after Diwali, Bestu Varas, or Varsha Pratipada, signifies new beginnings, renewal, and hope. While many Hindu communities mark their new year in the spring, the Gujarati New Year commences on the first day of the month of Kartik. The festival is a time for families to visit temples, seek blessings for the year ahead, and exchange greetings of Saal Mubarak.

The occasion also holds special significance for the business community, which performs Chopda Pujan—the worshipping of new account books—to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for the new financial year. This tradition symbolizes a fresh start, closing old ledgers and praying for a prosperous year ahead.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar