Gandhinagar: The auspicious festival of Labh Pancham is being celebrated today, November 6. Observed on the fifth day of the Kartak month in the Hindu Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar (currently 2081), Labh Pancham holds great significance in Gujarat. Traditionally, shopkeepers mark this day by reopening their businesses, signaling the end of Diwali festivities and the start of a new business year.

In Gujarat, Labh Pancham is both a cultural tradition and an important business event. Markets and shops reopen at a shubh muhurat, an auspicious time that signifies the prosperity expected from new business activities. Today, business owners and employees participate in rituals, making this festival an opportunity to seek blessings for the year ahead.

Labh Pancham Muhurats for Business Reopening

Kartak Sud 5, Monday, 6th November 2024.

Shri Panchami, Gyan Panchami.

Pratah Kala Puja Muhurat: 06:37 AM to 10:15 AM

In addition to other timings, the Vijay Muhurat at 12:39 pm is also recommended as an auspicious moment for businesses to reopen on Labh Pancham this year.

This day is observed with a variety of rituals, including worship of account books and Lord Ganesha. Business owners initiate new ledgers, known as “Khatu” in Gujarati, by marking “Shubh” on the left, “Labh” on the right, and drawing a “Sathiya” symbol in the center of the first page.

Beginning new ventures or setting auspicious muhurats on Labh Pancham is believed to invite success in business. The day symbolizes prosperity, and many decorate entrances of homes and workplaces with a swastika, along with the words “Shubh” and “Labh.”

Labh Pancham – Beyond Business

Labh Pancham holds not only commercial significance but also spiritual meaning. In Gujarat, it is also known as Saubhagya Panchami or Gyan Panchami. “Saubhagya” means good fortune, while “Labh” indicates gain, linking the day to prosperity and good luck.

In Jain tradition, Labh Panchami is dedicated to the worship of goddess Sarasvati and is celebrated as Gyan Panchami, focusing on the sharing and nurturing of knowledge. Jain Path Shalas and Upashrayas organize exhibitions displaying tools for writing and knowledge dissemination. Activities include pratikraman, dev vandan, prayers to goddess Sarasvati, and vyakhyan across the community.

Labh Pancham, also known as Shri Panchami, is associated with invoking Lakshmi’s blessings, with the chanting of Shri Sukta being popular on this day. The festival embodies a comprehensive celebration of prosperity, wisdom, and divine grace, making it a deeply cherished occasion for the people of Gujarat.