Diwali in Gujarat: A Sweet Journey from the Aroma of Ghughras to "Saal Mubarak"

Diwali in Gujarat: A Sweet Journey from the Aroma of Ghughras to "Saal Mubarak"

As Diwali approaches, what is the very first sound heard in the house? The sound of a broom! From the dust on the ceiling fans to the hidden corners of the cupboards, the entire home seems to begin breathing anew. Then begins the frantic rush of shopping, the preparation of snacks in the kitchen, and a common question echoing in every household: "When exactly is Diwali this year?"

Do you remember Diwali from your childhood? The holidays, new clothes, firecrackers, and those delicious ghughra (sweet dumplings) made by Mom! Even as we grow older, the joy remains undiminished—it simply takes on a different form.

Elsewhere, Diwali might be a one or two-day festival, but here in Gujarat, it is a grand, extended celebration. It begins with Vagh Baras and continues all the way until Labh Pancham! And most importantly, for us, Diwali signifies bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one—because our New Year begins right after Diwali.

So, let us embark on a journey through this year’s Gujarati Diwali. First, note the dates (2026):

Vagh Baras: Thursday, November 5

Dhanteras: Friday, November 6

Kali Chaudas: Saturday, November 7

Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan, and Chopda Pujan: Sunday, November 8

Bestu Varsh (Vikram Samvat 2083) and Annakut: Tuesday, November 10

Bhai Bij: Wednesday, November 11

Labh Pancham: Saturday, November 14

A small note: This year, due to the timing of the tithis (lunar days), there is a one-day gap between Diwali and the New Year (Bestu Varsh). Furthermore, there may be a variation of a day depending on the Panchang (almanac) you follow (for instance, some Panchangs list Annakut on November 9). Therefore, please consult your local Gujarati Panchang or your family priest (Panditji) to determine the precise auspicious timings (muhurat) for the rituals.

Vagh Baras: Honoring the Cow, Bidding Farewell to Old Accounts

The first lamp of Diwali is lit on Vagh Baras. While the name might bring to mind a tiger (vagh) from the forest, this day is actually dedicated to the worship of cows and calves (also known as Govatsa Dwadashi). In Gujarati, the word vagh is also associated with the settling of debts; thus, this day carries a message: settle your old accounts, unburden your mind, and step into the New Year with a light heart. Dhanteras: The Footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi at the Threshold

On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari—the deity of health—are worshipped. It is considered auspicious to purchase gold or silver; if that is not possible, bringing a new vessel into the home serves as a good omen! In many households, small footprints representing Goddess Lakshmi are drawn at the entrance using kanku (vermilion). Seeing them, it feels as though the Goddess herself is truly arriving at the home.

Kali Chaudas: The Triumph of Light over Darkness

Kali Chaudas (Narak Chaturdashi) signifies a victory over negativity and darkness. In certain regions of Saurashtra and Kutch, special worship of Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman is performed on this day. In many Gujarati homes, vada (savory fritters) are prepared in the evening; some families also follow an age-old tradition of offering these in specific cardinal directions.

Diwali: Rangoli, Lamps, and the Worship of Account Books

As evening falls, the entire street lights up! There is rangoli in the courtyard, torans (decorative hangings) at the doorways, and earthen lamps in every corner. After sunset, during the pradosh kaal (twilight period), the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha takes place. Children, dressed in new clothes, rush off to play with firecrackers, while the elders settle in for the puja.

However, the most distinctive feature of Diwali in Gujarat is the Chopda Pujan—the worship of account books. On this day, business families perform a puja for their new account books; they draw a swastika using kanku (vermilion powder) and inscribe the words 'Shubh' (auspicious) and 'Labh' (gain/profit). Auspicious time slots, known as choghadiya—specifically Amrut, Shubh, Labh, and Chal—are consulted for the ceremony. The entire staff and the whole family join in the worship.

Times have changed, and laptops have now taken the place of traditional account books, yet the tradition remains exactly the same! Many business owners draw a swastika, the Om symbol, and the words 'Shubh-Labh' on their laptops and perform the puja for them.

Besatu Varsh (New Year): The Joyful Celebrations of "Saal Mubarak"

Following Diwali comes our New Year—Besatu Varsh—marking the beginning of a new year. In Gujarat, the Vikram Samvat year begins on Kartak Sud Ekam (the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartak)—unlike in North India, where it begins in the month of Chaitra. This year, Samvat 2083 will commence.

Dressed in new clothes, people visit temples for darshan (worship/viewing of the deity), seek blessings from their elders by touching their feet, and then begins the delightful tradition of visiting one another. Greetings of "Saal Mubarak!" and "Nutan Varshabhinandan!" (Happy New Year!) fill the air. People sweeten each other's mouths as they exchange greetings. In temples, an Annakut (a grand offering of various food dishes) is presented to the Deity, while for merchants, the first sale of the New Year—known as Boni—is considered an auspicious omen. In the Jain tradition, Diwali is associated with the Nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira, followed by the celebration of the New Year.

Bhai Beej: A Mark of Affection

On the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartak, a sister applies a tilak (auspicious mark) on her brother’s forehead and prays for his long life, while the brother presents her with a gift. In many households, a special meal is prepared on this day, featuring Basundi and Puri.

Labh Pancham: The Markets Come Alive Again

Once the Diwali holidays conclude, shops and offices reopen on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Kartak, marking the Muhurat (auspicious beginning) for business in the New Year. Since 'Labh' means 'gain' or 'profit,' this day is considered an auspicious start for commercial ventures. It is also known as Saubhagya Panchami.

From the Kitchen: The True Taste of Diwali Lies in the Containers!

Truth be told, half the joy of Diwali is found in the snack containers! Chakri, Mathiya, Cholafali, Gathiya, Chevdo, Farsi Puri, Namakpara—long before the festival week arrives, the kitchen begins to fill with the enticing aromas of these treats.

Among sweets, the Ghughra reigns supreme: filled with Mawa (milk solids) or a mixture of dry fruits and Rava (semolina), these Ghughras are inextricably linked to Diwali in Gujarat. They are accompanied by Mohanthal—a grainy, rich sweet made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar—as well as sweet Sakkarpara. And then, there is the tradition of filling plates with these treats and sharing them with neighbors and relatives—a gesture where the love behind the gift outweighs the sweets themselves!

A Little Care, A Lot of Joy

Let’s choose earthen lamps (diyas) and rangoli made with natural colors.

When bursting firecrackers, please adhere to local regulations and time limits; be mindful of children, the elderly, those who are ill, and animals.

Keep lamps and candles away from curtains and any other flammable materials.

Share sweets, clothes, or diyas with those in need. The light of Diwali is truly meaningful only when it reaches the homes of others as well.

Finally, a question for you...

Diwali in Gujarat signifies the glow of diyas, the vibrant colors of rangoli, the sweetness of ghughra (traditional festive pastries), and the warmth of relationships. From merchants opening their new account books to people of all ages creating rangoli at their doorsteps, everyone steps into the New Year with fresh hope.

What is your fondest memory of Diwali at home? Do share it in the comments!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year (Saal Mubarak)!