Durban - Gujuratis in South Africa and all over the world will welcome the year 2074 today, and the new year known as Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh falls on the first day of Shukla Paksha: Kartak sud ekam.
It is the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parbat (mythical mountain) to save the villagers of Vrindavan from the heavy rains.
Members of the family rise early and offer prayers to their deities at home.
They pray for good health, peace, prosperity, wisdom and the strength to face challenges.
The business community conducts prayers for a favourable fiscal year at their place of work or trade.
People gather at the temple where a hawan is performed and prasad (food) offered.
This is followed by the Annakoot ceremony, where 108 types of sweetmeats and savoury dishes are offered to the deities.
In some temples a replica of the mythological mountain is made using materials such as mud, cow dung, flour and even ice.
After the aarti (concluding prayer), devotees partake in the meals offered.
This time is also used to meet and greet friends and relatives by saying Saal Mubarak: Happy New Year.
The rest of the day is spent either visiting family and distributing gifts and sweetmeats, or contacting relatives overseas using social media.
In the evening, rows of lamps are lit and people gather to light fireworks.
Saal Mubarak to all celebrating Nutan Varsh. May all the resolutions taken on this day be fulfilled.