Labh Panchami

The festival of Labh Panchami marks the final day of Diwali celebrations. It is observed on the ‘Panchami’ (5th day) during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the waxing phase of moon) in month of ‘Kartik’ of the traditional Gujarati calendar. This day is also popularly known as ‘Saubhagya Panchami’ or ‘Gyaan Panchami’ or ‘Laakheni Panchami’ and is celebrated with full enthusiasm and fervour in the state of Gujarat. On this day prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi for well being and prosperity. Labh Panchami is believed to be a very auspicious day for initiating a new business venture and it is on this day that most of shops and business establishments are opened, after the Diwali festivities. In Gujarat this day is also celebrated as the first operational day of the Gujarati New Year.

Significance of Labh Panchami:

The festival of Labh Panchami is associated with Diwali, the popular Hindu Festival of Lights. The word ‘Labh’ and ‘Saubhagya’ signifies ‘benefit’ and ‘good luck’ respectively. Therefore this day is considered to bring good luck and benefit in one’s life. Hindu devotees, especially in the state of Gujarat believe that by performing puja on this day brings wealth, profit and good fortune on both personal and professional front. In the state of Gujarat, Labh Panchami is also the first working day of the New Year and therefore businessmen open new account ledgers or ‘Khatu’ on this day. They do so by writing ‘Shubh’ on the left side and ‘Labh’ on the right side and also draw a ‘Sathiya’ in the middle of the page. Starting new business on this day is considered to be highly rewarding.

Rituals during Labh Panchami:

On the day of Labh Panchami, Sharda Pujan is performed by those who failed to do it on Diwali. Members of the business community open their shops today and also perform puja of their new account ledgers. Businessmen also pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day to seek Her divine blessings.
People visit the houses of friends and families. There is also a custom of exchanging sweets as symbolism of the ‘sweetened’ relations between them.
In some regions, people also worship their books on the day of Labh Panchami to enhance their wisdom and knowledge.
One must also donate food, clothes, money or other essentials to the poor and needy on Labh Panchami.