Bestu Varas 2026 marks the beginning of the Gujarati New Year and is one of the most joyful and spiritual festivals celebrated by the people of Gujarat. It is a time of new beginnings, family gatherings, prayers, and spreading love and happiness. Bestu Varas is celebrated on the day after Diwali, following the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar, and holds great cultural and religious importance for Gujaratis around the world.
What is Bestu Varas 2026?
Bestu Varas 2026 is the Gujarati New Year, which will be celebrated right after Diwali in 2026. According to the traditional Vikram Samvat calendar, it marks the first day of the new year (Samvat 2083). The festival symbolizes renewal, hope, and gratitude for everything that the previous year brought, while welcoming the future with positivity.
On this day, people wear new clothes, visit temples, and seek blessings from elders. Business owners often start new account books, known as “Chopda Pujan”, as a sign of inviting prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
The Spiritual Significance of Bestu Varas
The word “Bestu Varas” literally means ‘New Year’ in Gujarati. It represents a fresh start and a chance to correct past mistakes. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, continues to bless homes and businesses during this time.
Devotees visit temples early in the morning, light diyas, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. Many people also visit Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, where special rituals are performed to welcome the New Year.
How Gujaratis Celebrate Bestu Varas 2026
Bestu Varas 2026 will be celebrated with immense enthusiasm across Gujarat — from small towns to big cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Surat. The celebration includes:
- Temple Visits: Families start the day by offering prayers at temples to thank God for the past year and pray for success in the new one.
- Chopda Pujan: Business communities open new account books and perform special pujas for wealth and growth.
- New Clothes and Sweets: People wear colorful traditional clothes and prepare delicious sweets like jalebi, fafda, and ghughra.
- Family Gatherings: Relatives visit each other’s homes to exchange greetings saying, “Saal Mubarak” or “Happy New Year.”
- Fireworks and Lights: Even after Diwali, the night sky lights up with fireworks as people continue to celebrate happiness and prosperity.
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Bestu Varas 2026 Date and Time
In 2026, Bestu Varas is expected to be celebrated a day after Diwali, which generally falls in November (exact date depends on the Hindu lunar calendar). It marks the start of Vikram Samvat 2083.
Why Bestu Varas 2026 Matters
Beyond its religious meaning, Bestu Varas is a reminder of unity, gratitude, and hope. It teaches people to move forward in life with positivity, leave behind negativity, and embrace new opportunities. For Gujaratis, it’s not just the beginning of a calendar year — it’s a spiritual and emotional renewal.
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Conclusion
Bestu Varas 2026 will once again bring the spirit of togetherness, devotion, and joy among Gujaratis worldwide. It is a festival that blends tradition with modern celebration, reminding everyone that every new beginning is a blessing. As the diyas glow and families gather, let us all wish — Saal Mubarak! — and welcome the New Year with open hearts and bright smiles.
