In Gujarat the Diwali celebrations take on a number of distinct characteristics.

Diwali occurs in the second (dark) lunar fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Ashvin (Gujarati: "Aaso")
and the first (bright) fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Kartika (Guj: "Kartik"). Aaso is the last month of the Gujarati
calendar, and Kartik the first.
Celebrations start earlier in Gujarat than in the rest of India, commencing on Agyaras, the 11th day of the
Krishna Paksha of Aaso. On the 12th day is Vagh Baras, the festival of the cow and the calf. On the 13th day is
Dhanteras, the days Diwali starts in the rest of India. The 14th (elsewhere known as Naraka Chaturdashi in
South India and Choti Diwali in the North) is celebrated as Kali Choudas. The 15th (new moon day) is Lakshmi
Puja, celebrated throughout India. The next day, the first day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik, is Bestu Varsh, New
Year's Day, start of the Gujarati calendar. The 2nd day of Kartik is Bhai Bij, the day Diwali ends. A further
celebration takes place on the 5th day of Kartik, Labh Pancham.[54]

Vaak Baras
Vaak Baras (repeatedly and wrongly referred to as 'vaagh-baras'), where 'vaak' means 'vaani' or Goddess
Saraswati in a broader sense, occurs on Aso vad 12, the 12th dark day of Aso.[3] This is also known as Govatsa
dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi. On this day, cows and calves are worshiped. People clear their account ledgers
(khata) today and not enter into new transactions using new ledgers only after Labh Panchm.
Vaak Baras is repeatedly mispronounced as Vaagh Baras. "Vaagh" also means "tiger" in Gujarati. It is thus
celebrated with references to tigers. In some Dhodia villages, some men colour themselves in stripes
representing the Vaagh and others as plain white or other colours denoting cattle. The tiger chases the cattle.
Finally, at the end of the sport, the village inhabitants eat food together at a common place and celebrate.

Dhanteras
Dhanteras occurs on Aso vad 13, the 13th dark day of Aso.:[4] Most communities worship the goddess of
wealth, Lakshmi, by performing puja. Material wealth in the form of gold jewelry and money (or precious metal
coins/diamonds) are often used to represent wealth in these worship ceremonies. Gujaratis believe money spent
on this day will bring prosperity to their family and home.

Kali Chaudash
Kali means Dark (evil) and Chaudas - Fourteenth. The 14th day of Ashwin, Kali Chaudas is devoted to the
worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti and is believed that on this day Kali killed the wicked Raktavija. Also referred
to as Narak-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is the day to abolish laziness and evil.
Kali Chaudas is also attached to the legend of Lord Hanuman. Hanumanji as a baby was very hungry. Whilst
lying down he saw the sun in the sky and thought it was a fruit and went to pick it. He flew into the sky and put
the whole sun in his mouth causing darkness throughout the universe. Lord Indra requested Hanumanji to return
the sun. When Hanumanji refused, Lord Indra unleashed his vajra and knocked Hanumanji down to earth
releasing the Sun.

Diwali (Deepavali)
Lakshmi Puja, the central day of Diwali, occurs on new moon day (Amas), Aso vad 15, the last dark day of
Aaso. (15th day from full moon day when moon disappears).[5] Celebrated in all parts of India, Diwali is the last
day of the Hindu year and people go to temples and thank the Gods. People wish their neighbours & relatives.
People burst firecrackers. Houses are decorated with diyas and rangoli.

Bestu Varas
Bestu Varas (Gujarati: )is the Gujarati New year, the first bright day of Kartik (Kartak sud Ekam).[6]

It is referred as the Hindu new year according to the Indian calendar based on lunar cycles, and 'Kartik'
is the first month in this new year while 'Ekam' refers to the first day.
People greet each other on this day by uttering Saal Mubaarak. This is an Urdu saying but is said
commonly by Gujarati people (Hindi/Gujarati/ Urdu), 'Nutanvarsh abhinandan' is the perfect Gujarati
word to wish Bestu Varas.

The day starts with heavy fireworks to welcome New Year. Local young boys 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. Home-made snacks are offered to guests & neighbors.
Bali pujan is also done on this day. It is said that Lord Vaman asked King Bali for 3 strides of land (ref.
Devpodhi Ekadashi for details). King Bali pleased the Lord by offering everything. Vamanji gave Bali a boon
that this auspicious day will be called as 'Balipratipadaa' (Skand Puran 24/10).

Bhai Bij
Bhai Bij occurs on the 2nd bright day of Kartik (Kartak sud Bij).[7] On this day the sister worships her brother,
and the brother shows his love for his sister. The brother stands for Krishna who did the noble deed of killing
the demon Narkasura. Sister wishes him a long & healthy life and offers him a Tilak & Aarti with warmth. The
sister asks the Lord for the well-being of her brother, who is her protector. In return, the brother swears to
always protect his sister, and be there for her in her good and bad times. He offers her a gift to show his
affection to her.

Labh Pacham

Labh Pacham occurs on the 5th bright day of Kartik (kartak sud pacham),[8] Shop owners and most
businessmen start their business for the year. They start new account ledgers(Khatu) by writing "Shubh" means
Auspicious, on left & "Labh" means Profit, on right & Sathiya on center, on the first page. People also go for
shopping which is said to bring luck.