Labh Pancham 2026: Most Businesses Reopen After Diwali Break in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Labh Pancham, an auspicious festival celebrated across Gujarat following Diwali, is being observed today, Saturday, November 14, 2026. Also known as Saubhagya Panchami and Gyan Panchami, the festival falls on Kartak Sud Pancham, the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Gujarati month of Kartak, in Vikram Samvat 2083.

Labh Pancham holds special significance for Gujarat’s business community, as traders and shopkeepers traditionally reopen their establishments after the Diwali and Gujarati New Year holidays and resume commercial activities on this day. The festival is considered auspicious for starting new ventures, reopening shops, performing account book worship and undertaking important business activities.

However, as Labh Pancham falls on a Saturday this year, several businesses are expected to resume operations on Monday, November 16, instead of today, allowing businessmen and their employees to enjoy an extended Diwali break over the weekend.

According to the Panchang, the Panchami Tithi began at 8:42 pm on Friday, November 13, and will end at 11:23 pm today, November 14. As Panchami prevails at sunrise on November 14, Labh Pancham is being celebrated today.

Labh Pancham 2026 Shubh Muhurat

For those planning to perform puja, reopen shops, conduct Chopda Pujan or begin new business activities, the auspicious timings for Labh Pancham are particularly important.

According to the Ahmedabad Panchang, the morning puja muhurat today extends from 6:52 am to 10:33 am. The Abhijit Muhurat, another auspicious period for undertaking important activities, is available between 12:02 pm and 12:46 pm.

Labh Pancham 2026 Muhurat Timings

• Morning Puja Muhurat: 6:52 am to 10:33 am
• Abhijit Muhurat: 12:02 pm to 12:46 pm
• Vijay Muhurat: 2:14 pm to 2:59 pm
• Sunrise: 6:52 am
• Sunset: 5:56 pm

The timings are based on Ahmedabad’s local Panchang. Sunrise, sunset and consequently certain muhurats may vary slightly across Gujarat.

Why Is Labh Pancham Important for Gujarat’s Business Community?

Labh Pancham is one of the most significant post-Diwali festivals for Gujarat’s traders, shopkeepers and business establishments. Following the Diwali holidays and Gujarati New Year celebrations, businesses traditionally resume operations on Labh Pancham, marking an auspicious beginning to fresh commercial activities.

The word ‘Labh’ signifies benefit, gain or profit, while ‘Saubhagya’ denotes good fortune. The festival is therefore associated with prosperity, business growth and financial well-being.

On this occasion, traders traditionally worship Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Goddess Lakshmi, the deity associated with wealth and prosperity. The rituals are performed with the belief that divine blessings will bring success, financial stability and growth in the year ahead.

Chopda Pujan on Labh Pancham: Significance and Tradition

One of the prominent traditions associated with Labh Pancham in Gujarat is Chopda Pujan, or the worship of account books.

Businessmen traditionally place new account books, known as ‘Chopda’ or ‘Khatu’ in Gujarati, before the deities and perform puja before beginning fresh accounting entries.

The first page of the account book is traditionally marked with a Swastik, with ‘Shubh’ written on the left and ‘Labh’ on the right. The ritual symbolises the aspiration for auspicious beginnings, prosperity and profitable business activities.

With the growing adoption of digital accounting, many businesses have also extended the tradition to computers, laptops and accounting software while continuing to observe customary religious rituals.

Labh Pancham Puja Vidhi

Labh Pancham puja is generally performed in the morning or during an auspicious Choghadiya. The ritual involves worshipping Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, followed by prayers for prosperity, success and well-being.

The traditional puja includes:

• Cleaning the house, shop or office and preparing the worship area.
• Placing idols or photographs of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Lighting a ghee lamp and offering flowers, kumkum, rice, incense and sweets.
• Worshipping Lord Ganesha before beginning any new activity.
• Offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and financial well-being.
• Performing Chopda Pujan and marking new account books with a Swastik, ‘Shubh’ and ‘Labh’.
• Performing aarti and distributing prasad among family members, employees or visitors.

Following the puja, traders traditionally begin fresh accounting entries or resume business operations during an auspicious period.

Labh Pancham as Gyan Panchami in Jainism

Apart from its commercial significance, Labh Pancham also holds religious importance in Jainism, where it is observed as Gyan Panchami.

The day is dedicated to knowledge, learning and the preservation of religious scriptures. Jain communities organise religious activities, prayers and rituals highlighting the importance of knowledge and spiritual learning.

Worship of Goddess Saraswati, associated with knowledge and learning, is also part of the observances. Jain temples, Upashrayas and Pathshalas may organise activities focused on religious texts, learning and the dissemination of knowledge.

Thus, Labh Pancham represents a celebration of prosperity, knowledge and auspicious beginnings, making it an important festival in Gujarat’s religious, cultural and commercial calendar.

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