Diwali in Gujarat: Kali Chaudas, Chopda Pujan & New Year

Introduction

In Gujarat, Diwali is not just a festival but a grand celebration of faith, prosperity, and new beginnings that spans five glorious days. The vibrant state transforms into a realm of lights, devotion, and joy as millions celebrate this most auspicious time. Gujarat’s Diwali has its own unique traditions, with special emphasis on Kali Chaudas, Chopda Pujan (the sacred ritual of new account books), and the Gujarati New Year on Bestu Varas.

These celebrations reflect Gujarat’s deep commercial heritage, unwavering devotion, and the spirit of starting afresh with divine blessings.

The Five Days of Gujarati Diwali

Gujarat celebrates Diwali across five consecutive days, each with its own spiritual significance:

Vagh Baras – Worship of the cow and calf
Kali Chaudas (Narak Chaturdashi) – Victory over evil and darkness
Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) – The main festival of lights
Bestu Varas (New Year) – The Gujarati New Year
Bhai Beej – Celebration of sibling bonds

Kali Chaudas: The Night of Liberation

The Sacred Legend of Narakasura

Kali Chaudas, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. This day commemorates one of the most significant victories of good over evil in Hindu mythology.

The Story of Narakasura:

In ancient times, there lived a powerful demon king named Narakasura, who was the son of Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and a boon recipient of Lord Brahma. Despite his divine parentage, Narakasura became drunk with power and turned tyrannical. He conquered the three worlds, imprisoned sixteen thousand celestial maidens, stole the earrings of Aditi (mother of gods), and terrorized both gods and humans alike.

His atrocities knew no bounds. He defeated Lord Indra and seized his magnificent elephant Airavata. He even took away the divine umbrella of Varuna, symbolizing his dominance over all cosmic forces. The devas, unable to defeat him due to Brahma’s boon that only his mother could kill him, approached Lord Krishna for help.

Lord Krishna, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama (considered an incarnation of Bhudevi), led an army to Pragjyotishpura, Narakasura’s fortress. A fierce battle ensued. Though Krishna could have easily defeated the demon, he allowed Satyabhama to strike the fatal blow, fulfilling the prophecy that only his mother could end his life.

As Narakasura lay dying, he realized his mistakes and begged for forgiveness. Krishna, in his infinite compassion, granted him a boon that his death anniversary would be celebrated with lights and joy, not sorrow. Thus, Kali Chaudas became a celebration of liberation from evil, darkness, and negativity.

The Significance of Kali Chaudas

This day represents the triumph of dharma over adharma, light over darkness, and liberation from all forms of evil. In Gujarat, Kali Chaudas has profound spiritual meaning:

Cleansing of Negativity: The day symbolizes the removal of all negative energies, evil spirits, and dark forces
Spiritual Purification: It’s believed that observing this day purifies the soul and protects from misfortune
Overcoming Inner Demons: The festival reminds us to conquer our inner demons like ego, anger, greed, and jealousy

Kali Chaudas Rituals in Gujarat

Gujaratis observe Kali Chaudas with unique traditions:

Early Morning Rituals:

People wake up before sunrise for the ceremonial “Abhyang Snan” (oil bath)
A special mixture of ubtan (paste) made with fragrant oils, besan (gram flour), and herbs is applied
This ritual bath symbolizes cleansing of sins and negativity accumulated over the year

The Kali Pujan: Some Gujarati families, especially in Saurashtra and Kutch regions, perform special worship of Goddess Kali or Goddess Hanumanji:

Black-colored items like black sesame, black til, and urad dal are offered
Lamps are lit to ward off evil spirits
Special prayers are chanted for protection and strength

Evening Traditions:

Small earthen lamps (diyas) are lit in odd numbers (usually 13 or 15)
These diyas are placed in every corner of the house to dispel darkness
In many villages, people burn old items symbolizing the destruction of past evils
Traditional Gujarati homes prepare special dishes like sev-tameta nu shaak

The Ritual of “Hanuman Puja”: Many Gujarati families worship Lord Hanuman on this day, as he represents courage, strength, and devotion. Hanuman’s power is invoked to protect the family from evil influences throughout the year.

Diwali: Lakshmi Pujan – The Main Celebration

The Divine Arrival of Lakshmi

The third day is the main Diwali celebration, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. According to Gujarati tradition, this is the night when Lakshmi roams the earth, entering homes that are clean, well-lit, and filled with devotion.

The Mythology:

During the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), Goddess Lakshmi emerged seated on a lotus, radiating divine brilliance. The devas and asuras were mesmerized by her beauty and grace. She chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort and promised to bless those who worship her with devotion.

The darkest night of Amavasya (new moon) is chosen for her worship because Lakshmi’s divine light dispels the darkness of poverty, ignorance, and misfortune.

Lakshmi Pujan in Gujarati Homes

Preparation:

Homes are thoroughly cleaned and whitewashed
Beautiful rangoli designs adorn entrances and courtyards
Fresh flowers and mango leaves decorate doorways

The Sacred Puja:

Families gather in the evening in their finest traditional attire
The puja room is elaborately decorated with flowers and lights
Silver or clay idols of Lakshmi-Ganesha are placed on the altar
A kalash (sacred pot) filled with water, coins, and betel nuts is placed
Account books, jewelry, and business tools are placed near the altar for blessings

The Ritual Sequence:

Invocation of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles
Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi with Vedic mantras
Offering of flowers, fruits, sweets, and sacred items
Aarti with camphor and ghee lamps
Distribution of prasad among family members

The Illumination: After the puja, thousands of earthen lamps are lit throughout the house, creating a mesmerizing sea of lights. This symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and invites Lakshmi into the home.

Chopda Pujan: The Sacred New Account Books Ceremony

The Spiritual Significance

One of the most unique and important aspects of Gujarati Diwali is Chopda Pujan or Muhurat Pujan – the worship of new account books. This tradition beautifully blends spirituality with Gujarat’s renowned business acumen.

The Philosophy:

In Gujarati culture, business is considered a sacred duty (dharma) when conducted with honesty and integrity. The Chopda Pujan ceremony sanctifies commerce, reminding businesspeople that true wealth comes through righteous means and divine grace.

The Legend of Chopda Pujan

According to tradition, Lord Krishna himself was a successful businessman who traded in precious items. His kingdom of Dwarka prospered through ethical commerce. Gujarati merchants, inspired by Krishna’s example, began the tradition of seeking divine blessings for their business ventures.

It’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha together bless businesses with prosperity and wisdom. Therefore, on Diwali night, at an auspicious muhurat (time), new account books are opened with prayers.

The Chopda Pujan Ceremony

Preparation:

New account books (chopda) are purchased and beautifully decorated
The books are wrapped in red or yellow cloth
A swastik symbol is drawn on the first page with kumkum

The Auspicious Muhurat:

Priests calculate the most auspicious time for opening new accounts
This muhurat typically falls on Diwali night after Lakshmi Pujan
The timing is considered crucial for the year’s prosperity

The Ritual:

The new account books are placed before Lakshmi-Ganesha idols
Prayers are offered for success, prosperity, and ethical business practices
The first entry is made in the book – traditionally “Shubh Labh” (auspicious profit)
Often, the first entry includes a donation or charitable amount
Gold or silver coins are placed in the books as a symbol of wealth
Family members and employees participate in the ceremony

Modern Adaptations: In contemporary times, businesses also perform Chopda Pujan for computers, laptops, and digital devices used for accounting. The spirit remains the same – seeking divine blessings for honest and prosperous business.

Bestu Varas: The Gujarati New Year

The Beginning of a New Era

The day after Diwali is Bestu Varas (literally meaning “good year”), the Gujarati New Year. This marks the beginning of the month of Kartik according to the Gujarati calendar, which is the first month of the new year.

Historical Significance:

The tradition dates back to ancient times when King Vikramaditya established the Vikram Samvat calendar. Gujarati businessmen and farmers adopted this as their new year because Kartik marks the harvest season and the beginning of new business ventures.

The Legend of Annakut

Bestu Varas is also associated with the Annakut (mountain of food) festival, which has its roots in a beautiful Krishna legend:

The Story:

In Gokul, people traditionally worshipped Lord Indra for rains. Young Krishna questioned this practice and convinced the villagers to worship Govardhan Hill instead, which provided grass for cattle and resources for sustenance. Angered, Indra sent torrential rains to destroy Gokul. Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger, providing shelter to all villagers and cattle for seven days.

On the day Indra finally accepted defeat and the rains stopped, the grateful villagers prepared a mountain of food (Annakut) to offer Krishna. Since then, this day has been celebrated with elaborate food offerings.

New Year Celebrations

Morning Rituals:

Families wake up early and take ceremonial baths
Fresh traditional clothes are worn
Elders give blessings to younger family members
“Sal Mubarak!” (Happy New Year) greetings are exchanged

Annakut Offerings:

Elaborate arrays of food items are prepared and offered to Krishna
The food includes hundreds of varieties of dishes, sweets, and delicacies
Temples create massive food displays arranged in mountain shapes
After offering to God, the food is distributed as prasad

Temple Visits: Families visit temples, especially Krishna temples, to offer prayers for a prosperous new year. The temples are beautifully decorated, and special aartis are performed.

Social Celebrations:

Families gather for elaborate feasts
Traditional Gujarati delicacies like undhiyu, puri, shrikhand, and various sweets are prepared
People visit relatives and friends to exchange sweets and good wishes
Many Gujaratis fly colorful kites, symbolizing reaching new heights

Business Beginnings:

New ventures and projects are initiated on this auspicious day
Property deals and major purchases are considered highly favorable
Employees receive bonuses and gifts from employers

The Cultural Essence of Gujarati Diwali

The Spirit of “Shubh Labh”

Gujarat’s Diwali celebrations uniquely emphasize the concept of “Shubh Labh” – auspicious profit. This philosophy teaches that:

Wealth earned through righteous means is blessed wealth
Business success should be shared through charity and compassion
Material prosperity should lead to spiritual growth
Every new beginning requires divine grace

The Community Bond

Gujarati Diwali is marked by strong community participation:

Rangoli Competitions: Neighborhoods organize beautiful rangoli contests
Lighting Displays: Communities compete to create the most spectacular light decorations
Cultural Programs: Traditional garba and folk performances are organized
Charity: Wealthy families distribute sweets, clothes, and money to the less fortunate

Traditional Food and Festivities

No Gujarati festival is complete without an array of traditional delicacies:

Savory Items:

Fafda-jalebi (a traditional New Year breakfast)
Various types of chakri and ganthiya
Khandvi and dhokla
Sev and different types of namkeen

Sweet Delights:

Mohanthal and ghee-laden sweets
Adadiya (winter special)
Various types of laddoos
Sutarfeni and jalebis

The Deeper Philosophy

The five-day Gujarati Diwali celebration encompasses profound spiritual teachings:

Kali Chaudas teaches us to identify and eliminate evil tendencies within ourselves – anger, greed, ego, and jealousy. It’s about spiritual cleansing and protection.

Lakshmi Pujan reminds us that prosperity comes to those who maintain purity, devotion, and righteousness. Wealth is a divine blessing, not merely a material achievement.

Chopda Pujan sanctifies commerce and teaches that business, when conducted ethically, is a form of worship. It emphasizes the importance of honest livelihood.

Bestu Varas celebrates new beginnings with hope, gratitude, and divine blessings. The Annakut offering symbolizes abundance and the sharing of prosperity with all.

Conclusion

Diwali in Gujarat is a magnificent celebration that seamlessly weaves together devotion, prosperity, family values, and cultural heritage. From the spiritual cleansing of Kali Chaudas to the sacred Chopda Pujan ceremony, from the divine Lakshmi worship to the joyous New Year celebrations, each ritual carries deep significance.

These traditions teach us timeless values: to conquer our inner darkness, to seek prosperity through righteous means, to begin each year with gratitude and hope, and to share our blessings with others. Gujarat’s Diwali is a reminder that true wealth encompasses material prosperity, spiritual growth, and strong family and community bonds.

As we light countless diyas and celebrate these auspicious days, we’re not just following traditions but reconnecting with eternal spiritual truths that guide us toward a life of dharma, prosperity, and fulfillment.

Sal Mubarak! Diwali ni hardik shubhkamnao! (Happy New Year! Best wishes for Diwali!)

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