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Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) 2025: History, Significance and How It's Celebrated

By Nabomita MandalOctober 22, 2025
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Gujarati New Year 2025 | Bestu Varas 2025 | Vikram Samvat 2082


For the people of Gujarat, the joy of the New Year begins right after Diwali. While the Vikram Samvat traditionally starts in the month of Chaitra, in Gujarat, the Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas, is celebrated on the second day of Diwali, which is Kartik Sud Ekam. In 2025, Bestu Varas will be observed on Wednesday, October 22. On this day, people across Gujarat welcome the New Year with great enthusiasm, devotion, and festive spirit, marking new beginnings filled with hope and prosperity


Gujarati New Year

Gujarati New Year 2025 Muhurat

The Gujarati New Year in 2025 will be celebrated on October 22, marking the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2082. Devotees observe the day with prayers, rituals, and auspicious timings for new beginnings.


  • Pratipada Tithi Begins: October 21, 2025, at 05:54 PM

  • Pratipada Tithi Ends: October 22, 2025, at 08:16 PM

  • Brahma Muhurat: 04:56 AM – 05:46 AM

  • Morning Muhurat: 05:21 AM – 06:36 AM

  • Vijay Muhurat: 02:16 PM – 03:02 PM

  • Twilight Muhurat: 06:06 PM – 06:32 PM

  • Evening Sandhya: 06:06 PM – 07:22 PM

  • Amrit Kaal: 04:00 PM – 05:48 PM

  • Nishita Muhurat: 11:57 PM – 12:47 AM (October 23)


The day is considered highly auspicious for puja, business openings, and new ventures, as it symbolizes prosperity and fresh beginnings in the Gujarati community.


History and Origin

The origin of Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, is rooted in the Vikram Samvat calendar—a centuries-old Hindu lunisolar system. While several Indian regions mark their new year in the spring, Gujarat celebrates it a day after Diwali, on the first day of the month of Kartik. Historically, the day gained significance in the era of King Vikramaditya and evolved alongside Gujarat’s vibrant mercantile culture. For generations, it has represented commercial and spiritual renewal, with business communities performing special pujas and starting new account books marked as “Chopda Pujan” after Diwali. This calendrical tradition continues seamlessly in Gujarat and among Gujarati communities worldwide.


Theme of Gujarati New Year Bestu Varas 2025

There is no official theme assigned for Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) 2025. However, the festival’s core focus each year centers around “Renewal and Prosperity.” In 2025, the highlight remains on reconnecting families, honoring cultural rituals, and sending warm wishes for a successful Samvat 2081. Many communities organize local events to reinforce themes of unity, gratitude, and fresh beginnings, using digital greetings and community gatherings to reach all generations and the diaspora.


How Gujarati New Year Bestu Varas Is Observed

  • Traditional home decorations with rangoli, toran, and lamps to welcome good fortune
  • Family visits to temples for prayers and blessings for the new Samvat
  • Businessmen perform Chopda Pujan (account book worship) for auspicious financial beginnings
  • Exchanging Gujarati New Year wishes such as “Saal Mubarak” or “Nutan Varshabhinandan” in person, on WhatsApp, and social platforms
  • Preparation and sharing of festive sweets and savory dishes
  • Community melas, cultural programs, and neighborhood gatherings—both in Gujarat and abroad (USA, UK, Africa, etc.)
  • Online celebrations, virtual meets, and digital posting of festival banners and motivational quotes, especially among youth and diaspora

Inspiring Quotes and Slogans

  • “Saal Mubarak! May the new Samvat bring joy and success.”
  • “Let each moment of Bestu Varas fill your home with peace and prosperity.”
  • “Nutan Varshabhinandan! On this new beginning, may your dreams thrive.”
  • "As the lamps shine this Bestu Varas, may your path be lit with happiness." – Gujarati Saying
  • "Celebrate new journeys, cherish old bonds. Happy Gujarati New Year!"
  • “Begin anew. Think good, do good, be good.”


Conclusion

The Gujarati New Year 2025 (Bestu Varas) beautifully symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. Celebrated on October 22, 2025, it marks the start of Vikram Samvat 2082, a time to embrace new beginnings with joy and devotion. Across Gujarat and among the diaspora, homes glow with diyas, rangoli, and cheerful greetings of “Saal Mubarak” and “Happy New Year Wishes.” This festive day unites families, strengthens bonds, and inspires everyone to welcome the year ahead with positivity, gratitude, and hope for success and happiness.

FAQs on Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) 2025: History, Significance and How It's Celebrated

1. What is Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas)?

Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas, marks the first day of the year in the Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar. It is celebrated by Gujaratis worldwide, usually on the day after Diwali, with prayers, festive foods, and cultural rituals focused on new beginnings and prosperity.

2. When is Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) celebrated in 2025?

Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) will be celebrated on October 31, 2025, which is the day after Diwali, marking the start of Vikram Samvat 2081 in the Gujarati calendar.

3. Why do Gujaratis celebrate New Year after Diwali?

Gujaratis celebrate their New Year after Diwali because, in the Vikram Samvat calendar, the new year begins on the first day of the Kartik month, which comes immediately after the festival of Diwali. This tradition connects festival celebrations with the lunar calendar, symbolizing the start of a new financial and spiritual cycle.

4. What year is it in the Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar for 2025?

In 2025, the Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar enters the year 2081, which begins on Bestu Varas, the day after Diwali.

5. What is the history behind Gujarati New Year?

The history of Gujarati New Year is rooted in the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar, established by King Vikramaditya in 56 BCE. Bestu Varas gained special significance through Gujarat’s mercantile traditions, with the festival celebrated as a time for business renewal and spiritual growth since ancient times.

6. How do people celebrate Bestu Varas?

Bestu Varas celebrations include:

  • Decorating homes with rangoli, toran, and lights
  • Visiting temples for prayers
  • Performing Chopda Pujan (business account book rituals)
  • Sharing festive sweets and snacks
  • Exchanging wishes like "Saal Mubarak"
  • Participating in neighborhood and community gatherings

7. What are some traditional Gujarati New Year wishes?

Popular Gujarati New Year wishes include:

  • "Saal Mubarak!" (Happy New Year)
  • "Nutan Varshabhinandan" (New Year greetings)
  • Wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good health for Samvat 2081

8. Are any official themes announced for Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) 2025?

There is no official theme for Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) 2025. Each year, the focus remains on ‘Renewal and Prosperity’ with community events promoting unity, gratitude, and hope for the new year.

9. Is Gujarati New Year celebrated outside India?

Yes, Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) is celebrated by the Gujarati diaspora in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Africa, and Australia. Overseas communities organize temple visits, cultural programs, and digital greetings to connect with their roots.

10. What are the special rituals for the first day of the new Samvat?

Special rituals on Bestu Varas include:

  • Early morning prayers and visits to temples
  • Chopda Pujan for starting fresh account books
  • Making and offering festive foods to deities
  • Receiving blessings from elders and performing acts of charity

11. How is Bestu Varas different from Diwali and other Hindu New Years?

Bestu Varas marks the start of the new year according to the Gujarati lunisolar calendar, while Diwali is a pan-Indian festival signifying the triumph of light over darkness. Other Hindu New Years, like Gudi Padwa or Baisakhi, are celebrated on different dates and follow separate regional calendars.

12. What are some ways to wish friends and family on Gujarati New Year 2025?

To wish friends and family on Bestu Varas 2025:

  • Send greetings like "Saal Mubarak!" or "Nutan Varshabhinandan" in Gujarati or English
  • Share digital posters, WhatsApp messages, or social media cards
  • Visit or call elders to seek blessings and express gratitude