Bestuvarash
The day after the Diwali, most families in Gujarat celebrate the new year as Bestvarsha. 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 first day. This day is celebrated by dressing in new clothes, wearing jewelery and visiting family members and business colleagues to give them sweets, dry fruits and gifts. 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'(Sanskrit/ Gujarati) "shub varsh",Happy new year. This day is more popular among the business communities as on this day the new business year begins. Besta varsa is also considered auspicious for shopping, inaugurations of new homes, business deals or for starting any new ventures and projects.
The day starts with the heavy fire works, to welcome New Year, in the early morning as Hindu believes morning starts at 4am. The local young boys sells raw salt (collected from Salt evaporation pond) calling it "sabras"means all taste, to make the natives new year prosperous. House is decorated with the aaso palav & marigolds(galgota)/s toran (Door hangings) & rangoli beside front door. Home made snacks are offered to the guests & neighbors who comes to wish the new year.
As per the Indian culture, on this day, people take blessings from God, Saints and elders. They also send good wishes of the New Year to their friends, relatives and loved ones. On this day, devotees make resolutions such as not to commit mistakes like the past years. They beg for pardon in their family and satsang for their bad behavior, misunderstanding, grudges and lack of co-operation. They themselves, forgive other's mistakes and embrace each other with love as a sign of peace and unity on this occasion.
Annakoot
On the same day Annakoot is celebrated in observance of the episode in Sri Krishna's childhood, in which He gave protection to the Gop & Gopis of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra and humbled Indra in that process. The Gop, Gopis,their children and cattle jubilantly surrounded Sri Krishna. They were awed by His superhuman accomplishment and celebrated Sri Krishna's feat with a sumptuous feast. Thus began the tradition of Annakoot.
Srimad Bhagwatam says :-
"After lifting of the huge Sri Goverdhan Parvat for continuous seven days prior to Diwali, the Lord put it back on earth & asked the citizens to worship the mountain. Sri Krishanji, then appeared in two forms. One as Sri Goverdhan hillock itself, i.e., deity to be worshiped and as second as resident to offer food to Him.
After the prayers, traditional worship & Aarti, innumerable varieties of delicious sweets/ all cookings / 56 bhogs were ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deity as "Bhog" and after Lord had it full , now it was citizens turn to approach the Mountain of Food and take Prasad from it. It was a Great Feast for residents of Goverdhan & they all enjoyed it thoroughly .
Thus on this day, the devotees offer their gratitude to Lord Krishna for his blessings in making their lives complete. In temples, on this day, the deities are given milk baths, dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the deities as an offering. |
