Bestu Varas (Gujarati: બેસતું વર્ષ )is the Gujarati New year, the first bright day of Kartik (Kartak sud Ekam).
- It is referred at the Hindu new year according to the Indian calendar based on lunar cycles, and 'Kartak' is the first month in this new year while 'Ekam' refers to the first day
- People greet each other on this day by uttering, Saal Mubaarak. This is an Urdu saying but is said commonly by Gujarati people (Hindi/Gujarati/ Urdu), 'nutanvarsh abhinandan' is the perfect Gujarati word to wish Bestu Varas (Sanskrit/ Gujarati) "shub varsh", Happy New Year.
The day starts with heavy fireworks, to welcome New Year, in the early morning, as Hindus believe morning starts at 4am. The local young boys sell raw salt (collected from a salt evaporation pond), calling it "sabras"—which means all taste, to make the natives' new year prosperous. Homes are decorated with the aaso palav & marigolds (galgota)/s toran (door hangings) & rangoli beside the front door. Home-made snacks are offered to the guests & neighbors who come to wish a good new year.
- Bali pujan on this day. Lord Vaman asked King Bali for 3 strides of land (ref. Devpodhi Ekadashi for details). King Bali pleased the Lord by offering everything. In remembrance of his devotion, Vamanji gave a boon that this auspicious day will be famed as 'Balipratipadaa' (Skand Puran 24/10).
Read more about this topic: Diwali In Gujarat