Thursday, 27 October 2011

Diwali Day 6 - Hindu New Year

બેસતું વર્ષ (Bestu Varas )(Hindu New year)

Kartak sud Ekam (1)

Referred to as the Gujarati Hindu new year, according to the Indian calendar based on lunar cycles; 'Kartak' is the first month in this new year whilst 'Ekam' refers to the first day.

People greet each other on this day by uttering Saal Mubaarak. This is an Urdu saying but is used commonly by Gujarati people (Hindi/Gujarati/Urdu); 'nutanvarsh abhinandan' is the perfect Gujarati phrase to wish Bestu Varas (Sanskrit/Gujarati) along with "shub varsh", meaning Happy New Year.

The day starts with firework displays in the early morning to welcome in the New Year as Hindus believe morning begins at 4am. Sometimes the local younger boys will sell raw salt (collected from a salt evaporation pond), calling it "sabras" - which means all taste - to make the natives' new year prosperous. Homes are decorated with the aaso palav & marigolds (galgota)/s toran (door hangings) & rangoli beside the front door. Homemade snacks are offered to guests and neighbours who come to wish a good New Year.
Bali pujan is also performend on this day, where in history Lord Vaman asked King Bali for 3 steps (or strides) of land. Bali pleased the Lord by offering everything; in remembrance of his devotion, Vamana decreed that this auspicious day will be famed as 'Balipratipadaa'.

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