Seven things you did not know about the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas)

♦ Bestu Varas marks the beginning of the Gujarati year and is celebrated the day after Diwali. It’s about bidding farewell to the past year’s difficulties and making a fresh start. People greet each other with “Saal Mubarak”, meaning Happy New Year.
♦ On this day, Gujaratis all over the world celebrate family ties and even a “Gujju” doesn’t worry about international call rates! If you have seen a family portrait in a Gujarati household, this is the day when it was taken.
♦ The day starts with Gujaratis going to the temple and performing puja, after which they receive blessings of their elders and greet everyone with “Saal Mubarak”. 
♦ Their homes are decorated with asopalav torans, rangolis made of marigolds and diyas. 
 

♦ Then comes the food. Gujaratis welcome the new year by making mouth-watering dishes at home. Fafda, chorafali and monthar (in picture) are a must. Those who wonder why Gujarati foods sound like nuclear weapons (yes, a la Kareena Kapoor’s Pia in 
3 Idiots) are yet to have these Saal Mubarak treats!
♦ We never miss a chance to show-off our traditional clothes. Women will wear their chaniyo-choli and men will sport a dhoti-kurta look. It’s our official National Selfie Day!
♦ For the Gujarati kids who feel left out seeing their Bengali friends receiving elders’ love in cash and kind, Bestu Varas is a big hit. On this day, the elders shower the young ones with gifts. Anything that you wish for will be granted. Well, almost. 

Rushabh Shah
How are you planning to celebrate Bestu Varas this Monday?