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Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Gujarati New Year

Why it matters

This observance is part of the broader Deepavali season. Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and patron of auspicious beginnings, wisdom and discernment.

The story behind it

The Deepavali cycle contains distinct regional stories and rites—health and auspicious purchases, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Lakshmi worship, Govardhan, Bali, sibling bonds and new-year customs.

Prayers and worship

Devotees commonly offer a simple Ganesha pooja, chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah,” recite Ganesha Atharvashirsha or Sankashtanashana Stotra, and perform arati.

Fasting and devotional customs

Cleaning and decorating the home, lighting lamps, family pooja, sharing sweets and region-specific fasting or ceremonial bathing are common; the exact practice depends on the day.

What is typically offered

Durva grass, red flowers, coconut, bananas and modak or other sweets are common offerings.

Visiting a temple that day

Because multiple Deepavali observances may fall on adjacent days, check the temple schedule for the specific pooja being performed. Temple practices vary by region and sampradaya. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required, follow priest/volunteer directions, ask before photography, and check the temple’s event page for exact pooja, fasting and prasādam arrangements.

Spiritual themes

Beginnings, wisdom, humility and removal of obstacles. Light, renewal and community.

This date was derived for the Fremont anchor from standard tithi, nakṣatra and solar-ingress rules. Dates are compiled for the Fremont / Bay Area location and checked against Northern-California Panchāṅgam references. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →