Shops and other commercial establishments started reopening in Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat from Labh Pancham following a five-day Diwali break.
Business activities traditionally come to a near standstill in Ahmedabad from the day after Diwali, which is celebrated as Gujarati New Year, until Labh Pancham, the fifth day after Diwali, as most people take a break from work and take part in the festivities, including many who travel in this period. Barring shops dealing in essential items, most other commercial establishments remain shut for this entire duration in the whole city.
“The practice of a break after Diwali has been popular in Ahmedabad for decades. Shops and offices close on Diwali day and resume work from Labh Pancham, a highly auspicious day. The break ensures everyone can enjoy the festivals,” said Hemant Mehta, a shop owner from Bopal in Ahmedabad.
While some shops and businesses reopened on Monday, a majority started reopening on Tuesday morning to mark the auspicious occasion of Labh Pancham. Shops and businesses on CG Road, Shivranjani, Navrangpura, SG Highway, and those in walled city markets resumed business activities with muhurat trading from Tuesday morning following the customary offering of prayers.
While most shops and commercial establishments have reopened, the ongoing week will be a slow one for business activities as many people are travelling. Moreover, this is also vacation time in schools, providing families with an opportunity to go on a holiday. Business activity is expected to start returning to normal from the following Monday.