The Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh, is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in the state of Gujarat, India. It is observed on the first day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in October or November of the Gregorian calendar.

Calculation of Gujarati New Year

The Gujarati New Year is calculated based on the lunar calendar, specifically the Vikram Samvat, which is the traditional Hindu calendar used in Gujarat.

The date is determined by the position of the moon and is observed on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartik. The celebration marks the end of the Diwali festival and the beginning of a new lunar year.

Differences from the Hindu New Year

While the Gujarati New Year is a regional variation, it is still part of the larger Hindu New Year celebrations. The differences often lie in the specific rituals, traditional foods, and customs associated with each regional New Year celebration.

In essence, both the Gujarati New Year and the Hindu New Year share the common theme of new beginnings, prosperity, and the renewal of spiritual and material aspects of life.

Vikram Samvat Calendar History

The saga of Vikram Samvat commences with the birth of the legendary King Vikramaditya, an exemplary ruler known for his valor, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice. As the kingdom prospered under Vikramaditya’s rule, a formidable threat arose from the West, the Sakas, invaders who sought to challenge the stability of the realm.

The Battle of Ujjain

Undaunted by the impending peril, King Vikramaditya confronted the Sakas in the pivotal Battle of Ujjain. This epic clash, marked by strategic brilliance, showcased the king’s exceptional courage and leadership. Emerging victorious, Vikramaditya’s triumph over the Sakas became a turning point in the kingdom’s history, shaping the destiny of his reign.

The Vikram Samvat Era Begins

In jubilation of this historic victory, King Vikramaditya initiated the Vikram Samvat era, an epoch that marked not only a chronological reference but also a symbol of resilience and triumph. Dated to 58 BCE, Vikram Samvat became a testament to the indomitable spirit of its namesake, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.

Symbol of Valor and Wisdom

Vikram Samvat stands as a lasting symbol of King Vikramaditya’s valor and wisdom. Its legacy extends beyond a mere calendar, resonating in cultural and religious practices that celebrate resilience in the face of adversity. Over time, the triumph of light over darkness, mirrored in Vikramaditya’s victory, found expression in various festivals embedded in the Vikram Samvat calendar.

Vikram Samvat in the Hindu Calendar

Vikram Samvat is a luni-solar calendar intricately weaving together lunar months and solar years, a reflection of the cyclical nature of time. Its significance peaks during the Hindu New Year, marked by Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, a time of renewal, growth, and spiritual rejuvenation.

The Eternal Journey Continues:

Vikram Samvat’s timeless lessons of courage, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit continue to inspire generations. No longer confined to a historical narrative, Vikram Samvat has evolved into a cultural thread, connecting past victories to present celebrations, a testament to the enduring spirit of Bharat.

Misconceptions

King Vikramaditya did not create the calendar but was in rule at the time when this calendar was pronounced the official calendar. It was then named after the king for his heroic deeds.
The calendar as not created in 57/56 B.C. The calendar system itself at the time was in use for thousands of years before it was named the Vikram Samvat calendar.

Conclusion

The Gujarati new year being is a time for businesses to close of their previous years accounts and start of new accounts under the blessing of Goddess Luxmi. It’s a time to look ahead for new business opportunities, celebrate the human spirit and create a prosperous community.