Gujarati New Year 2021: Celebrating the Vibrant Culture and Traditions of Gujarat

It's that time of the year again! The sun is shining brighter, the air is filled with the aroma of delicious food, and everyone is in a festive mood. Yes, it's time to celebrate the Gujarati New Year, also known as 'Bestu Varas.' And let me tell you, this isn't your ordinary New Year celebration. It's a time when families come together, traditions are upheld, and everyone indulges in some mouth-watering delicacies.

As the name suggests, Bestu Varas marks the beginning of a new year according to the Gujarati calendar. And trust me when I say, this calendar is no joke. It's one of the most complicated calendars in the world, and it takes a lot of effort to understand it. But don't worry; we'll keep it simple for you.

Now, you may be wondering what makes Bestu Varas so special. Well, for starters, it's a time when families get together and celebrate with great fervour. From performing traditional rituals to feasting on scrumptious food, there's something for everyone.

One of the most exciting things about Bestu Varas is the 'khushboo Gujarat Ki' that fills the air. Everywhere you go, you'll be greeted with the sweet aroma of traditional Gujarati dishes. From dhokla to fafda, from khandvi to thepla, there's no shortage of mouth-watering delicacies to indulge in.

But it's not just about the food. Bestu Varas is also a time when traditions are upheld and passed down from generation to generation. From lighting diyas to performing puja, every ritual has a significant meaning and plays a crucial role in ushering in the new year.

Speaking of traditions, did you know that on Bestu Varas, it's considered auspicious to buy gold? That's right; buying gold is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. So, if you're looking for an excuse to go on a shopping spree, here it is!

Another exciting aspect of Bestu Varas is the colourful decorations adorning every household. From rangolis to torans, every home is decked up in vibrant colours, adding to the festive spirit.

But it's not just about the decorations. Bestu Varas is also a time when people dress up in their finest clothes and jewellery. From beautiful sarees to intricate kurtas, everyone makes an effort to look their best.

And let's not forget about the music and dance. Bestu Varas is a time when people come together and celebrate with garba and dandiya. From young children to the elderly, everyone takes part in the festivities with great enthusiasm.

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the colourful and vibrant world of Bestu Varas. It's a time when traditions are upheld, families come together, and everyone celebrates with great fervour. And if you're lucky enough to be a part of this celebration, make sure you indulge in some delicious food and dance to your heart's content!

Introduction

Hey there, folks! Today, we're talking about the Gujarati New Year. Now, I know what you're thinking - Oh no, not another boring article on cultural traditions, but trust me, this one's going to be different. We're going to delve into the quirky and amusing side of things, so buckle up and get ready for a fun ride.

The Date and Time

The Gujarati New Year, also known as 'Uttarayan,' falls on the 14th of January every year. However, unlike other New Year celebrations, it doesn't start at midnight. Nope, that would be too predictable. Instead, it begins at the precise moment when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. So, if you're planning on celebrating, make sure you have your astrological charts handy.

The Kite Festival

Now, here's where things get interesting. Along with the New Year, Gujaratis celebrate a festival called 'Makar Sankranti.' It's an occasion where people fly kites, and no, I'm not kidding. The sky is filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, and it's a sight to behold. But why kites, you ask? Well, according to legend, it's a way of thanking the gods for a good harvest season and welcoming longer days and warmer weather.

The Kite Wars

But let's face it, flying kites isn't just about tradition and spirituality. It's also a competitive sport. People take this stuff seriously. They spend weeks preparing their kites, sharpening the strings, and strategizing their moves. And when the day arrives, it's an all-out war. Kites tangled in mid-air, strings cut, and people shouting at the top of their lungs. It's chaos, but it's also a lot of fun.

The Food

What's a celebration without food, right? Gujaratis have got that covered too. On New Year's day, they prepare a special dish called 'Undhiyu.' It's a mix of vegetables, spices, and lentils, slow-cooked in an earthen pot. The result is a mouth-watering explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more. And if you're feeling adventurous, try pairing it with some 'Jalebi' - a crispy, syrupy dessert that's guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Dress Code

When it comes to fashion, Gujaratis don't mess around. For the New Year, they dress up in their finest traditional attire, which includes colorful sarees, ornate jewelry, and elaborate headgear. Men wear 'Kurta-Pajama' - a long tunic and loose pants combo, paired with a turban or a cap. So, if you're planning on joining the festivities, make sure you bring your A-game in the wardrobe department.

The Music and Dance

No celebration is complete without music and dance, and Gujaratis know how to party. They have a unique folk dance called 'Garba,' where people form circles and dance to the beat of traditional drums and music. It's a high-energy affair that lasts well into the night, and even if you have two left feet, you'll find yourself grooving to the rhythm.

The Significance

Now, I know we've been having a lot of fun, but let's not forget the significance of the Gujarati New Year. It's a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and letting go of the past. It's a way of reconnecting with our roots, our culture, and our traditions. So, while we're busy flying kites and stuffing our faces, let's also take a moment to reflect on what this day means to us.

The Conclusion

Well, folks, that's all we have time for today. I hope you enjoyed our little adventure into the world of Gujarati New Year. Remember, it's not just a celebration - it's an experience. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, go out there and make some memories. Happy New Year, and happy flying!

The Ultimate Gujarati Countdown: Get Ready to Bhang all Night Long!

It's that time of the year again - the Gujarati New Year! And what better way to celebrate than with some good old bhang? That's right, we Gujjus love our bhang, and we're not talking about the one that gets you high (although, we won't judge if that's your thing). No, we're talking about the sweet, milky drink that's a staple at every Gujarati New Year party.

Kem Cho? A Guide to Greeting Your Way into the Gujarati New Year

Of course, before you can start drinking bhang, you need to greet everyone. And in true Gujju fashion, that means saying Kem Cho? to everyone you meet. It doesn't matter if you don't know them, or if you just saw them five minutes ago - you have to ask Kem Cho? every time. It's like our version of Howdy or What's up?

New Year, New You? Here's 5 Gujarati Resolutions You'll Never Keep

Now, let's talk about resolutions. Every year, we make grand plans to improve ourselves - eat healthier, exercise more, read more books. But let's be real, we're Gujjus - we love our food too much to give it up. So, here are five resolutions we'll never keep: 1) Eat less khaman; 2) Stop putting sugar in our chai; 3) Go to bed before midnight; 4) Actually use our gym membership; 5) Learn Hindi (we'll stick to our Gujarati, thank you very much).

Gujjus Love Food - Here's The Ultimate Menu for Your New Year's Feast!

Speaking of food, let's talk about the menu for your New Year's feast. First up, we have dhokla - because what's a Gujarati party without dhokla? Next, we have undhiyu - a delicious mix of vegetables and spices that'll make you forget all about meat. Of course, we can't forget about our beloved fafda and jalebi, and for dessert, we have shrikhand - the perfect way to end any meal. And don't forget the bhang - it's not a Gujju party without it.

Getting Drunk in Style: Traditional Gujarati Ways to Get Tipsy

Now, let's talk about getting drunk. If you're not into bhang, there are plenty of other traditional Gujarati ways to get tipsy. For example, there's mahua - a sweet, fermented drink made from the flowers of the mahua tree. Or, there's sura - a rice beer that's been around since ancient times. And if you really want to get fancy, you can make your own arak at home - just mix sugar, water, and yeast, and let it ferment for a few days.

Meet the Real Patels of Gujarat: The Surprising Connection to New Year Celebration!

Now, let's talk about the Patels - the most common surname in Gujarat. Did you know that they actually have a connection to the New Year celebration? It's true - the Patels were traditionally farmers, and the Gujarati New Year falls during the harvest season. So, it's no surprise that they're such an integral part of our culture and celebrations.

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go? Ideas for Celebrating New Year in True Gujju Style!

Of course, with the pandemic still raging on, it might be difficult to celebrate the New Year in the traditional way. But fear not - there are still plenty of ways to celebrate in true Gujju style. For example, you can have a virtual party with your family and friends, complete with bhang and all your favorite Gujarati snacks. Or, you can dress up in your finest clothes and take some festive photos at home. The possibilities are endless.

Love 'em or Hate 'em, Here's Why Fireworks are a Must for Every Gujarati New Year!

And finally, let's talk about fireworks. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're a must for every Gujarati New Year. It's not a celebration until you've lit a few sparklers and watched the sky light up with colorful explosions. Plus, it's a great way to scare away any evil spirits that might be lurking around (we Gujjus are superstitious like that).

Highly Affected by Jugaad Culture? Here are 5 Ways to Use it on New Year's Day!

And if you're highly affected by jugaad culture (let's be real, we all are), here are five ways to use it on New Year's Day: 1) Use your leftover undhiyu to make a delicious sandwich; 2) Repurpose your old sarees into festive decorations; 3) Use a thali as a makeshift tray for your snacks; 4) Turn your empty bhang bottles into DIY lamps; 5) Use your leftover fireworks to scare away pesky birds from your garden.

Getting Lucky? The Ideal Time and Place for Lovebirds to Celebrate the Gujarati New Year

And if you're a lovebird looking to get lucky this New Year's, there's no better time or place than the Gujarati New Year. According to our astrologers, the ideal time for romance is during the first few hours of the New Year, and the best place to celebrate is in your own home. So, light some candles, pour some bhang, and who knows - you might just find your soulmate.

In conclusion, the Gujarati New Year is a time for celebration, food, and fun. Whether you're drinking bhang, eating undhiyu, or setting off fireworks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, let's raise a glass (or a cup of bhang) to the new year, and all the happiness and prosperity it brings!

A Gujarati New Year to Remember

The Festive Season Begins

It was that time of the year again when the streets of Gujarat were lit up with colourful lights, the air was filled with the aroma of freshly made sweets, and people were dressed in their finest traditional attire. Yes, it was the Gujarati New Year, also known as 'Bestu Varas' or 'Nutan Varsha'.

As the day of the new year approached, the excitement among the people grew stronger. Everyone was busy cleaning their homes, buying new clothes and preparing mouth-watering delicacies.

The Day of Bestu Varas

Finally, the day of Bestu Varas arrived. The entire state of Gujarat was bustling with energy and enthusiasm. People woke up early in the morning, took a bath and wore new clothes. They offered prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and good luck.

Then came the most important part of the day- a grand feast. Families gathered together, exchanged gifts and savoured delicious Gujarati cuisine. From 'Dhokla' to 'Khandvi', from 'Undhiyu' to 'Shrikhand', the table was full of mouth-watering dishes.

The Fun-Filled Evening

The evening was even more fun-filled as people went out to celebrate with their friends and family. The streets were filled with music, dance and laughter. People played traditional games like 'Garba' and 'Dandiya Raas' and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

As the day came to an end, people exchanged greetings and wished each other a prosperous new year. They looked forward to another year filled with joy, happiness and togetherness.

The Point of View

As an outsider looking in, I couldn't help but marvel at the colourful traditions and customs of the Gujarati New Year. From the beautiful attire to the mouth-watering delicacies, everything was a sight to behold.

What struck me the most was the sense of togetherness and community spirit. The way families came together to celebrate, exchange gifts and savour delicious food was heart-warming. It truly felt like a festival that brought people closer.

Overall, the Gujarati New Year was an experience I'll never forget. It was a perfect blend of tradition, culture and fun. I can't wait to be a part of it again next year!

Table Information

Event: Gujarati New Year
Also known as: Bestu Varas, Nutan Varsha
Time of the year: Typically in October or November
Significance: Marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar
Customs and traditions: Cleaning of homes, wearing new clothes, offering prayers to deities, preparing and savouring traditional Gujarati cuisine, playing games like Garba and Dandiya Raas
Key elements: Traditional attire, colourful lights, delicious food, music and dance
Highlight of the day: Grand feast with family and friends
Themes: Togetherness, community spirit, tradition, culture, fun

Happy Gujarati New Year!

Well, well, well, my lovely blog visitors, we come to the end of our journey today. I hope you have enjoyed reading about the Gujarati New Year as much as I enjoyed writing about it. But, before you go, let me leave you with some final thoughts. And, since we're all friends here, I'll try to keep it light and funny.

First and foremost, if you're planning on celebrating the Gujarati New Year, please remember that you don't have to eat sweets until you're sick. I know, I know, it's tempting, but trust me, your stomach will thank you later. Plus, there are so many other delicious foods to enjoy during this festive time.

Oh, and if you're going to dress up in traditional attire, make sure it's comfortable. You don't want to spend the entire day tugging at your clothes or feeling like you can't breathe. And, if you're not used to wearing Indian clothes, practice walking in them beforehand. The last thing you want is to trip and fall in front of everyone.

Speaking of falling, if you're going to dance during the festivities, be careful. I'm all for letting loose and having fun, but safety first, people. If you're not a great dancer, stick to the sidelines and watch. It's better to be a spectator than to break a leg.

Now, let's talk about gifts. If you're giving someone a present, please don't wrap it in newspaper. I know it's eco-friendly and all, but it's also tacky. And, if you receive a gift that's wrapped in newspaper, don't be offended. Just smile and say thank you. It's the thought that counts, right?

And, finally, if you're not Gujarati and you're celebrating the New Year with Gujarati friends, please don't try to speak Gujarati unless you're confident in your abilities. It's okay to say Happy New Year in English or your native language. Your friends will appreciate the effort, but they won't judge you if you can't speak Gujarati.

So, there you have it, my friends. Some parting words of wisdom for those of you who are celebrating the Gujarati New Year. I hope you have a wonderful time, full of laughter, love, and of course, delicious food. And, if you're not celebrating, I hope you learned something new about this vibrant culture.

Thank you for reading, and until next time, keep smiling and stay curious!