Gujarati New Year 2026: Bestu Varas Date and Spiritual Significance

Gujarati New Year 2026 (also known as Bestu Varas) will take place on Tuesday 10th November. This marks the start of Vikram Samvat 2083. It takes place on Kartik Shukla Pratipada (or Kartak Sud Ekam as it is known in Gujarati). As Diwali will take place on 8th November, Gujarati New Year will take place two days later as the Amavasya will continue until sunrise on 9th November. It is a time for prayer, family, visiting temples and exchanging traditional greetings such as Saal Mubarak.

Gujarati New Year 2026 (Will it be 9th or 10th November?)

Gujarati New Year will take place on 10th November 2026.

As Pratipada will only start after midday on 9th November 2026, it won’t be present at sunrise. However, it will continue until sunrise on 10th November meaning Bestu Varas will take place on Tuesday 10th November.

Sometimes this day is known as Padtar Divas.

What Is Bestu Varas?

Bestu Varas (or Gujarati Nav Varsh/Nutan Varsh) is a traditional celebration to mark the start of the New Year for Gujarati communities. It marks the start of the Kartik bright fortnight (or Kartak Sud Ekam).

Unlike many Hindu calendars which mark the start of the year in Chaitra, the Gujarati community follow the Kartikadi tradition meaning the New Year will begin in Kartik.

This marks the start of Vikram Samvat 2083. It is celebrated in Gujarat and by Gujarati communities around the world with prayer, family, visiting temples and exchanging greetings.

Chopda Pujan 2026 (What Is The Significance And Traditions?)

Chopda Pujan is an important business tradition that takes place during Diwali in Gujarat. Chopda refers to traditional books used for keeping accounts. Traders and business families will pray to their new accounts to wish for prosperity and success in the future.

As Diwali will take place on 8th November 2026, Chopda Pujan will traditionally take place during Diwali Lakshmi Puja.

Traditions commonly include,

Cleaning and decorating shops.

Setting up new accounts / ledgers / books.
Praying to Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati.
Doodling lucky symbols such as the Swastika onto their new accounts.
Writing Shubh and Labh onto their accounts.
Offering flowers, fruits, sweets and puja items.

Spiritual Significance Of Bestu Varas

Bestu Varas marks a new beginning in the Gujarati calendar. It is a time for prayer and wishing for good health, prosperity, successful business and harmony within families.

It also marks the day of Govardhan Puja in 2026. Lord Krishna raised Govardhan Hill on His little finger to save the people of Gokul from heavy rain sent by Lord Indra.

This is remembered by celebrating Govardhan Puja. People will pray to Lord Krishna, Govardhan Hill and cows. Temples will also make Annakut.

This festival is celebrated in Gujarat.

How Is Gujarati New Year Celebrated?

Bestu Varas is celebrated with excitement in Gujarat and by Gujarati communities around the world. Families will celebrate the New Year with prayer, traditions and greetings.

Traditions include;