Gujarati New Year, dubbed as Bestu Varas, was observed on November 5.

Key Points

• This day is observed on Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month of Hindu calendar.
• Shukla Paksha marks the beginning of Gujarati New Year.

About Bestu Varas

• Bestu Varas is related to lord Shri Krishna.
• As per mythology, Lord Krishna spent his early years in Braj and raised questions regarding offerings made to Lord Indra.
• Lord Krishna always detested appeasement, while encouraging people to do what was approved by Dharma and was right. As a result, Local discontinued the offerings to Lord Indra.
• But to avenge this insult, Lord Indra lashed the Braj region with torrential rains and thunderstorms. This led to the loss of property and livestock.
• To end this sufferings, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger to provide shelter to cattle and livestock.
• India continued this for seven days and on the eighth day, he conceded defeat and bow before Lord Krishna.
• This way, started the tradition of praying to the Govardhan mountain.