Business opens formally on Labh Panchami, not on New Year's day.
Bestu Varas: Gujarati New Year on Kartika Shukla Pratipada with Saal Mubarak greetings
The Gujarati New Year, called Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh, falls on Kartika Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali, and begins the new year of the Vikram Samvat in the Gujarati calendar. In 2026 it marks the start of Vikram Samvat 2083. The day celebrates Govardhan Puja and Annakut, when Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill, and for traders it is the first day of the new financial year after the account books were worshipped on Diwali. People wake early, wear new clothes, draw colourful rangolis, and visit temples — especially Swaminarayan and Haveli temples, where grand Annakut offerings of hundreds of dishes are displayed. Younger family members touch the feet of elders for blessings, and people greet each other with 'Saal Mubarak' and 'Nutan Varshabhinandan'. Sabras (salt, 'sabras' meaning all good things) is bought in the morning as a sign of an auspicious year. Friends and relatives visit each other's homes through the day and are offered mathiya, chorafali, sweets and dry fruits. Businesses remain closed until Labh Panchami, when accounts are formally opened.
A festive day; no fast.
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