Labh Pancham 1998

Labh Pancham falls on Kartak Sud Pancham, the fifth day of the bright half of Kartik, after Diwali. Many trading families in Gujarat consider it an auspicious day to resume work after the holidays. It is also called Saubhagya Panchami.

Many trading families in Gujarat worship their account books at Diwali. After the festival holidays, some traders return to their shops or workplaces on Kartak Sud Pancham. They pray that their work will go well, make the first entry in their new accounts or resume their regular business. Labh Pancham has thus become a special day between the Diwali break and the return to daily work.

Jain tradition observes Gyan Panchami on the same lunar day. Sacred texts are worshipped, and people remember the importance of gaining knowledge, preserving it and passing it on.

Labh Pancham is an occasion to resume work with a commitment to fair dealings and honest accounts. Gyan Panchami centres on respect for knowledge and sacred texts.

Families worship at their shops or offices according to their own customs. Some worship their account books, write “Shubh” and “Labh” in them or make the first transaction. On Jain Gyan Panchami, sacred books and writing materials are worshipped. Some people also recite texts or fast.

Labh Pancham is especially common among Gujarati trading families in Gujarat and elsewhere. Families differ in the day they reopen their shops and in their worship. Jain families and temples celebrate Gyan Panchami in their own way on the same Kartak Sud Pancham.