Labh Chaturthi 2016

Labh Chaturthi is a festival observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.

Labh Chaturthi is a Gujarati auspicious-business observance on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi, following Diwali and Bestu Varas. Many shops and families choose the period to reopen work, begin transactions or pray for a successful commercial year. Labh means benefit or gain, but the occasion is also associated with auspicious judgement and honest livelihood. Traders often remember the account books consecrated at Chopda Puja and seek the blessings of Ganesha and Lakshmi.

The observance does not have a single universal Puranic adventure in which Labh Chaturthi itself was founded. Ganesha's role as remover of obstacles and the Gujarati New Year cycle provide its religious setting. Some communities call the day Labh Pancham instead, but these are distinct lunar tithis: the fourth day and fifth day should not be silently equated in the calendar.

Devotees offer flowers, lamps and sweets, conduct Ganesha-Lakshmi puja, and reopen places of work according to family convention. The auspicious timing for a particular business transaction may depend on an independently selected muhurta, not simply the sunrise Chaturthi. The central hope is prosperity founded on fairness and responsible conduct.

Labh Chaturthi is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

Salt is bought or exchanged between houses. Shops are opened for a short muhurat and closed again.

Gujarati business reopening tradition after Diwali. Chaturthi is distinct from the better-known Labh Pancham.