Labh Panchami 2026
14 November 2026

Labh Panchami falls on Kartik Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of the bright fortnight that begins the morning after Diwali. In Gujarat it closes the Diwali holidays: traders and shopkeepers reopen their shops on this day and make the first entries in the new account books worshipped at Chopda Puja. Labh means profit, and the day is kept with a prayer for a good year of work and trade.

The day is also called Saubhagya Panchami, and is held auspicious for new beginnings and for the family’s good fortune. Jains keep the same day as Gyan Panchami, the day of knowledge: the scriptures are cleaned and worshipped, books and pens are honoured, and many keep a fast. In Gujarat, where many trading families are Jain, the two meanings often meet in one home.

• New account books (chopda)
• A pen
• Kumkum and akshat (unbroken rice)
• Idol or picture of Ganesh and Lakshmi
• Flowers and a garland
• Diya and incense
• A coconut
• A toran for the shop door
• Sweets

What to do

• Open the shop in the morning while the Panchami holds, in a good choghadiya if your family follows one, since the first entry is meant for an auspicious hour.
• Begin with Ganesh before Lakshmi, as every new beginning in the tradition does.
• Write the first entry carefully and honestly, since the new books stand for the year’s work.

What to avoid

• Many traders settle old dues before Diwali and avoid beginning the new books with an old dispute.
• Jain families keeping Gyan Panchami avoid placing books on the floor or handling them carelessly, out of respect for knowledge.

The day falls in the bright half, so it is Kartik Shukla Panchami in both the Amanta calendar of Gujarat and the Purnimanta calendar of the north. It is kept mainly in Gujarat, and by Gujarati trading families wherever they live, as Labh Pancham or Labh Panchami, and also as Saubhagya Panchami. Jains across India keep it as Gyan Panchami (Jnana Panchami).

The day is chosen by the Panchami at sunrise, read at each place’s own sunrise. Because tithis run short or long, Labh Panchami can come four or six days after the Diwali Lakshmi Puja instead of five.