Most of the business establishments across Gujarat would remain close and roads of majority cities and towns would wear deserted look till November 11th in wake of Gujarati New Year and extended Diwali vacation.
As per Hindu Gujarati Calendar Diwali is the last day of the year. Traditionally businessmen and professionals keep their establishments close after Diwali and start working from ‘Labh Pancham’ – Fifth Day post Diwali after offering puja.
During Diwali vacation, most of the businessmen prefer to travel across the globe. Most of the Hotels situated at tourist places within Gujarat as well as across the nation would be full of Gujaratis for the next 4-5 days. Moneyed Gujaratis would go abroad after offering Puja on the day of Diwali and the next day – Gujarati New Year which they call ‘Besatu Varsh’.
Most of the exotic tourist destinations in the country Simala, Manali, Nainital, Kerala, places in adjoining Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as well as across North India would be thronged by Gujaratis for next few days. According to Devendra Shah, a travel agent most of these destinations were book well in advance. Large numbers of people are travelling in Far East countries that include Thailand, Malaysia and Pataya and Bangkok, says Shah.
Meanwhile Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday exchanged Vikram Samvat-2075 New Year greetings with people. Accompanied by his wife Anjaliben, Rupani began his New Year Day by visitiing to Panchdev Mahadev Mandir in Gandhinagar and Bhadra Kali Temple in Ahmedabad. He met people and exchanging New Year’s greetings at Community Centre at the Ministers’ Conclave at Gandhinagar and at Circuit House Annexe at Shahibaug in Ahmedabad.
Rupani said the country is in for changes while Gujarat is committed to improve the condition of the poor, have-nots, Dalits, suppressed and oppressed and attempt to ensure Gujarat exceled in agriculture, education, health, rural and social sectors. He also prayed for the return of good governance and development under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and that people reposed faith on him in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
He went to Raj Bhawan to meet Governor O.P. Kohli and exchange New Year greetings. Rupani also met senior police officers and their family members at the Police Officers’ Mess at Shahibaug Dafnala. He lauded the role of forces in maintaining peace, safety and security of the people.