A Gujarati New Year celebration is hardly complete without a table full of delicious food. And we’re not talking about just one or two festive favourites! From piping-hot farsan and flavourful vegetable preparations to comforting kadhi, dal and indulgent desserts, Gujarati cuisine brings an irresistible spread of sweet, savoury, tangy and spicy flavours to the table. After all, a new year deserves a feast that does justice to the occasion.
Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh, will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, marking the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083. The festival falls on Kartik Shukla Pratipada and is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings and, of course, an elaborate festive meal. If you’re planning
to bring a little Gujarati flavour to your celebrations this year, we’ve rounded up seven traditional dishes that deserve a place on your thali, from the much-loved undhiyu to the ever-so-creamy shrikhand. Saal Mubarak!
1. Undhiyu: The Star Of A Gujarati Festive Spread
No list of Gujarati favourites feels complete without undhiyu. This much-loved mixed vegetable preparation brings together seasonal produce such as purple yam, raw banana, brinjal and flat beans, along with aromatic spices and fenugreek dumplings called muthia. Traditionally, the ingredients cook together slowly in an earthen pot, allowing the flavours to mingle beautifully. The name comes from the Gujarati word undhu, meaning upside down, a reference to the traditional cooking method.
Serve it with hot puris or soft rotlis, and you have a combination that is difficult to resist.
2. Dhokla: A Soft, Spongy Gujarati Favourite
Light, fluffy and wonderfully moreish, dhokla is one of Gujarat’s best-known culinary exports. Made using a fermented batter of gram flour or rice and lentils, depending on the variety, this steamed savoury snack gets its signature spongy texture from the preparation process. A tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies adds flavour, while a garnish of fresh coriander and grated coconut gives it a lovely finish.
Pair it with green chutney for a snack that balances mild sweetness, tanginess and spice. It works beautifully as an appetiser before the main meal and is practically mandatory for anyone putting together a Gujarati-inspired festive spread.
3. Khandvi: Delicate Rolls With A Flavourful Tempering
If you enjoy snacks that are as pretty as they are delicious, khandvi deserves your attention. These delicate, bite-sized rolls are made by cooking a smooth mixture of gram flour and yoghurt, spreading it into thin layers and rolling it once it cools. The finished rolls have a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a subtle tanginess that makes them particularly addictive.
A tempering of mustard seeds, sesame seeds and curry leaves adds a lovely crunch, while grated coconut and coriander lend freshness. Khandvi may look deceptively simple, but getting those thin, perfectly rolled layers takes a fair bit of skill.
4. Fafda-Jalebi: Because Every Celebration Needs A Sweet-Savoury Combo
Some food pairings simply belong together, and fafda-jalebi is one of Gujarat’s most iconic combinations. Fafda consists of crisp, savoury strips made from gram flour and seasoned with spices, while jalebi brings the sweetness with its golden, syrup-soaked spirals. The contrast between the crunchy, salty fafda and the sticky sweetness of jalebi is precisely what makes this pairing so irresistible.
Traditionally enjoyed as a popular breakfast, particularly during festive occasions such as Dussehra, the combination also makes a fun addition to a celebratory spread. Serve it with fried green chillies and tangy papaya sambharo for the complete experience. Because sometimes, the best way to welcome a new year is with a little crunch and a generous drizzle of sugar syrup.
5. Gujarati Kadhi: A Comforting Bowl Of Sweet And Tangy Goodness
A Gujarati meal needs a comforting bowl of kadhi, and this yoghurt-based preparation brings just the right balance of flavours to the table. Made with yoghurt, gram flour and a blend of spices, Gujarati kadhi is known for its thinner consistency and characteristic sweet-and-tangy flavour. A tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves and chillies adds an aromatic finish.
The best way to enjoy it? Pour it generously over steamed rice or pair it with khichdi for a wholesome, comforting combination.
6. Dal Dhokli: Comfort Food That Deserves A Festive Invitation
Think of dal dhokli as the ultimate comfort meal in a bowl. This traditional Gujarati preparation brings together soft, diamond-shaped wheat flour pieces simmered in a flavourful lentil curry. The dal typically features a delicious mix of sweet, tangy and spicy notes, with ingredients such as jaggery, tamarind, peanuts and aromatic spices adding depth to the dish.
A final tempering of ghee, cumin, mustard seeds and curry leaves takes the flavour up a notch. Often enjoyed as a wholesome one-pot meal, dal dhokli is hearty, satisfying and perfect for anyone who likes their festive food with a generous helping of comfort.
7. Shrikhand: A Sweet Ending To The New Year Feast
No festive thali should end without something sweet, and shrikhand makes a rather delicious case for saving room for dessert. This creamy Gujarati favourite is prepared by straining yoghurt until it becomes thick and smooth, then sweetening it with sugar and flavouring it with cardamom, saffron and sometimes nutmeg. A garnish of chopped pistachios and almonds adds a little crunch to the silky dessert.
Served chilled, shrikhand is especially delicious alongside warm puris, creating a sweet-and-savoury combination that is popular across Gujarati households. Whether you enjoy it as the final course of your New Year meal or sneak in a few extra spoonfuls straight from the bowl, this dessert is a festive essential.
Gujarati cuisine is all about bringing different flavours and textures together, and a festive thali captures that spirit beautifully. From the hearty goodness of undhiyu and dal dhokli to the delicate khandvi, crisp fafda and creamy shrikhand, these traditional dishes offer a delicious way to celebrate Bestu Varas. So, as Gujarat welcomes Vikram Samvat 2083 on November 10, gather your loved ones around the table, make room for a little extra indulgence and welcome the new year with a feast to remember. Saal Mubarak!
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