As Diwali approaches, most people are preparing for the five day celebration, but little do they know that there is another significant festival called Bestu Varas, which is celebrated by the Gujarati community. This festival marks the beginning of a new year and is accompanied by delicious food prepared by Gujju chefs and homecooks. From traditional dishes like Chole-Puri to modern ones like Puran Poli, this festival is all about feasting with family and friends. However, with changing times, the rituals have also evolved to accommodate more family gatherings rather than simply visiting elders. This article highlights the essence and rituals of Bestu Varas and gives us a glimpse into the traditional Gujarati way of celebrating the new year.
Gujarati New Year: Bestu Varas
Bestu Varas, also known as Gujarati New Year, is a significant festival celebrated by the Gujarati community. It marks the beginning of a new year and is typically observed in the month of November.
Origins and Significance
The origins of Bestu Varas can be traced back to ancient Gujarati traditions. "Bestu" means "new" and "Varas" means "day." The festival symbolizes the transition from the old year to the new one, bringing with it hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Celebrations
Gujaratis celebrate Bestu Varas with great enthusiasm and festivity. The day begins with prayers offered to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for the new year. Traditional dishes such as Chole-Puri, Puran Poli, and Dhokla are prepared and shared with family and friends.
Families gather together for feasts, exchanging gifts, and engaging in traditional rituals. One common ritual involves visiting elders and seeking their blessings for the new year. In recent times, the focus has shifted to family gatherings rather than solely visiting elders.
Food and Cuisine
Food plays a central role in Bestu Varas celebrations. Traditional Gujarati dishes are prepared and savored, such as:
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: When is Bestu Varas celebrated? A1: Bestu Varas is typically celebrated in the month of November.
Q2: What is the significance of Bestu Varas? A2: Bestu Varas marks the beginning of a new year and symbolizes hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Q3: What are some traditional dishes served during Bestu Varas? A3: Traditional dishes such as Chole-Puri, Puran Poli, and Dhokla are prepared and shared with family and friends.
Q4: What are some common rituals associated with Bestu Varas? A4: Common rituals include offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, visiting elders, and feasting with family and friends.
Q5: How has Bestu Varas evolved over the years? A5: While the essence of the festival remains unchanged, rituals have evolved to accommodate more family gatherings rather than simply visiting elders.
On Wednesday, September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 75th birthday. Bollywood superstars took to social media to wish the PM and laud his hard work and vision for the country's development and progress. Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Jackie Shroff, and other celebrities showered Modi with love and prayed for his long life and continued leadership.
In a dramatic turn of events, Virgil van Dijk scores a last-minute goal to secure a 3-2 victory for Liverpool over Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Harry Kane's two goals lead Bayern Munich to a 3-1 win against Chelsea, despite a shoulder injury to Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. The opening matches also saw debutants Pafos and Bodo/Glimt draw in their respective matches. Don't forget to click 'Get Involved' to have your say in this exciting tournament.
A high-quality CCTV footage captures the terrifying moment when two shooters on a motorcycle conducted a recce outside actor Disha Patani's home in Bareilly and fired three gunshots, causing panic in the middle of the night. The two accused, identified as members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang, were later shot dead by the police in an encounter near Tronica City in Ghaziabad. Recovered from the spot were a Glock and a Zigana pistol, along with a huge stash of cartridges, providing a major breakthrough in the September 12 incident.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who was recently seen in Housefull 5, shared a cryptic post on Instagram, over which netizens and fans were left puzzled and worried. However, the actor has now explained that it was all a promotion for his upcoming film 'Kaalidhar Laapata'. The film will be released on Zee5 on July 5 and its poster features Abhishek with a child, hinting at an interesting plot.
Senior BJP leader and former MP GVL Narasimha Rao slammed the Congress for terming PM Modi a "vote chor" and questioned if all party and leaders who caused vote loss to Congress would be labeled as such. He also states that Congress's decline in performance from securing 404 seats in 1984 to 44 in 2014 cannot be attributed solely to PM Modi. This claim is backed by authentic data and evidence.
Samrat Mukerji, brother of Bollywood actor Kajol, addresses the confusion and concern surrounding his well-being after his name became linked to a recent controversy. He clarifies that it was not him involved and shares his frustration at being mistaken.
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, production house Silver Cast Creations announced the upcoming biopic 'Maa Vande'. It will trace Modi's journey from his childhood to becoming the nation's leader, with a focus on his relationship with his late mother. Popular Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan has been cast in the lead role, creating a buzz among his 2.9 million Instagram followers. Raised in Gujarat, Mukundan's debut in 2011 marked the beginning of a successful acting career, culminating in his notable role as the antagonist in 2016's Janatha Garage.
Television star Gaurav Khanna, known for his calm and composed nature, has been making waves with his strategic comebacks on the popular reality show Bigg Boss 19. In a recent move, his team shared a video featuring some of his best moments on the show, where he shut down his opponents with witty and sharp comebacks. Fans were quick to shower love and praise for the actor, highlighting his grace, swag, and fire on the show.
Music maestro Mahesh Bhatt is all set to woo audiences once again with his latest venture, 'Tu Meri Poori Kahani'. With the iconic Anu Malik making a comeback, the film promises a captivating storyline brought to life with melodious tracks. Debutantes Arhaan Patel and Hirranya N Ojha will lead the star cast in this highly anticipated release, slated to hit theaters in 2025. The teaser featuring Malik's soulful number 'Yeh Ishq Hai Meri Jaan' was unveiled today, giving fans a taste of what to expect from this musical masterpiece.
As the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 years old on September 17, leaders from all major political parties reached out to him with birthday wishes, expressing admiration for his leadership and wishing him good health for the future. Born in 1950, Modi has risen to become one of the most influential and polarizing figures in Indian politics. Along with politicians, citizens of India also took to social media to extend their heartfelt greetings to the PM on his special day. On his birthday, the nation not only celebrates Modi's life but also reflects on his impact on the country's politics and society.