Gujaratis across the world are celebrating Gujarati New Year on November 5, 2021 (today). As per the Vikram Samvat calendar, the Gujarati New Year falls on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Kartik month. Kartak is the first month of Gujarati calendar and is celebrated with the enthusiasm, and spirituality across the state of Gujarat. Ahead of the world, the Gujaratis are living in 2078 as per the Vikram Samvat calendar.
Traditionally, this day is known as Varsha Pratipada or Bestu Varas. On this day, people prepare new books to keep accounts called the Chopda. They also worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and peace in life. On the occasion of the Gujarati New Year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent out special greetings for the people of Gujarat.
During this time, the traders and businessmen begin their fresh financial accounts and bid goodbye to the old ones. As part of the sacred ritual, a swastika is drawn at the beginning of the account books and shubh-labh is written. People believe that it brings luck and profit throughout the year.
Furthermore, on this day, Chopda Puja is performed and is solely devoted to Godess Laxmi to seek her blessings for prosperity throughout the coming year.
