Gandhinagar: This year, the auspicious festival of Labh Pancham falls on Saturday, November 18. Labh Pancham celebrated on the fifth day of Kartak month in the Hindu Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar (currently 2080), holds importance in Gujarat. On this day, shopkeepers in the region reopen their shops, marking the end of the Diwali festivities and the commencement of a new business year.

In Gujarat, Labh Pancham is not only a cultural tradition but also a strategic time for businesses to resume operations. The markets and shops reopen in a shubh muhurat, signifying an auspicious moment for business activities. However this year, Labh Pancham falls on Saturday, and so many businesses will reopen after Diwali break on Monday, which is Satam, so that the businessmen and staffers can enjoy extended Diwali break on weekend.

Labh Pancham Muhurats for Business Reopening

Kartak Sud – 5, Saturday, 18th of November 2023.

Shri Panchami, Gyan Panchami.

Mahurat in Morning 8.20 to 9.43 am

Apart from this, the Vijay Mahurat which is 12.39 pm is also suggested as an auspicious time for the reopening of business on Labh Pancham this year.

The day is marked by various rituals, including the pooja of account books and Lord Ganesha. Businessmen inaugurate new account ledgers, known as “Khatu” in Gujarati, by inscribing “Shubh” on the left, “Labh” on the right, and drawing a “Sathiya” in the center of the first page.

Starting any trade or conducting muhurat on Labh Pancham is believed to bring good rewards in business. The day is associated with prosperity, and people often paint a swastika while writing “Shubh” and “Labh” on the thresholds of their homes and workplaces.

Labh Pancham – Beyond Business:

Apart from being a significant day for commerce, Labh Pancham is known by various names such as Saubhagya Panchami and Gyan Panchami in Gujarat. “Saubhagya” translates to good luck, and “Labh” signifies benefit, making this day synonymous with prosperity and fortune.

In Jainism, Labh Panchami involves the worship of goddess Sarasvati and is considered Gyan Panchami, a festival dedicated to nurturing and donating knowledge. Jain Path Shalas and Upashrayas host exhibitions showcasing tools used in writing, knowledge generation, and knowledge spread. The day also includes pratikraman, dev vandan, chanting prayers of devi Sarasvati, and vyakhyan across the city.

Labh Panchami, also known as Shri Panchami, is associated with attaining Lakshmi, and the chanting of Shri sukta is popular on this day. The festival encapsulates a holistic celebration of prosperity, knowledge, and divine blessings, making it a cherished occasion in the hearts of the people of Gujarat. DeshGujarat