The festival of lights is considered auspicious also because it heralds the arrival of Gujarati New Year which begins the next day.
They have advanced next-generation electronic gadgets in their offices. Yet no trader, professional or shop-owner in the city forgets to do Chopda Pujan (worship of the traditional account books) during muhurat (auspicious hour) on Diwali day. The festival of lights is considered auspicious also because it heralds the arrival of Gujarati New Year which begins the next day.
All business establishments of the city stop work during the mahurat on Diwali day and worship the account books. Traditionally, mahurat on Diwali is the time to do puja of account books, though business is now done mostly with computers and other gadgets.
This Diwali, most traders did Chopda Pujan after 3 in the afternoon as the period between 3 and 6 pm was believed to be auspicious.
Last moment rush was seen at stationary shops to buy account books and other articles necessary for the puja. Many office-owners nowadays do puja even of computers using flowers and 'kanku'.
"We will do Chopda Pujan after 4:30 in the afternoon as the time is auspicious at that hour according to the Hindu calendar," said Chandrakant Soni, a trader in Manek Chawk. He was preparing for the Chopda Pujan that he would perform later in the day.
Traders with establishments in the city's traditional jewellery, stationary, vessels and textile markets performed Chopda Pujan with their family members who had come down to the shops or offices for the purpose. They performed puja and then celebrated the auspicious day by firing crackers. This is an old tradition of the markets and business establishments, especially in the old city.
The puja is done for a prosperous new year and for the blessings of the gods.
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