Laabh Pancham – Business holders of all classes open their offices and shops on this day to start their new accounting year spiritually signifying a new and positive beginning.
Laabh Pancham or Labh Panchami is considered as the last day of Diwali celebrations, and it is observed on the Panchami (fifth) tithi of Shukla paksha in the Hindu month Kartik. Therefore, it is a popular day in the Gujarati culture, and it has various other names such as Gyan Panchami, Lakheni Panchami, and Saubhagya Panchami.
The literal meaning of the word Labh is a benefit, and this day is celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. People of Gujarat celebrate this day with immense faith and enthusiasm to offer their prayers to deities and begin their new year. Labh or benefit is usually associated with that of monetary wealth. However, the old adage of “health is wealth” should not be forgotten. Benefits can be realized in many forms – health, wisdom, relationships, parents, guru, friends, good food, good home, etc. Worshipping on this day is to seek benefits across all such dimensions.
If people have missed Sharda puja on Diwali day, they perform it on the Labh Panchami eve as a part of rituals. Business holders of all classes open their offices and shops on this day to start their new accounting year and take a positive and spiritual headstart. They perform a puja for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh and seek their blessings for business growth and success.
Diwali is considered the most auspicious day that brings lights and joy to the family. Moreover, the end of this festival is labh Panchami that stands for benefits and fortune. Therefore, people tend to start important ventures and projects on this day in Gujarat state because it is the most religiously suggested day for new beginnings in the Gujarati calendar.
People visit friends and relatives as well on Labh Panchami and exchange gifts and sweets. In addition, donations and charity work are also very commonly performed on this day.
So, in other words, labh Panchami is a beautiful day to worship Lord Ganesh and goddess Lakshmi to seek their blessings for business and new ventures.
