Introduction to the Festival:
‘Nutan Varsha,’ also known as ‘Bestsu Varsha’ or ‘Sal Mubarak,’ is the New Year celebration observed in Gujarat, which falls on the first day of Kartika month’s Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight) following Diwali. On this day, people wish each other a happy New Year and begin the new year with renewed enthusiasm.
The Legend:
One of the major legends associated with Nutan Varsha relates to the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Narakasura had captured 16,100 women, and after his defeat at the hands of Lord Krishna, the women were liberated. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and Nutan Varsha is celebrated as a day of new beginnings and victory.
Why Do We Celebrate This Festival? Nutan Varsha is celebrated to mark a new beginning, prosperity, and happiness. It holds special significance for traders, as it is the day they start their new financial year. People clean their homes, create rangolis, and worship Goddess Lakshmi to ensure prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
Major Traditions of the Festival:
Cleaning and Decoration: People clean their homes and make rangolis (traditional decorative patterns).
Temple Visit: People visit temples early in the morning to seek blessings.
Receiving Blessings: Elders give their blessings to the younger generation.
Wishing Each Other: People greet each other with "Sal Mubarak" to wish a happy new year.
Exchanging Sweets: There is an exchange of sweets and gifts among family members and friends.
Significance of the Festival: Nutan Varsha is not just the beginning of a new calendar year but also a symbol of self-purification, social harmony, and family unity. It encourages people to bring positivity, prosperity, and happiness into their lives, making it a day to celebrate new beginnings.