Gujarat merchants worship new account books on Diwali night

Chopda Puja is the worship of new account books (chopda) by Gujarati and Marwari traders on Diwali, during the Lakshmi Puja muhurat. Diwali marks the end of the financial year in the traditional Gujarati business calendar, and the next day, Bestu Varas, is the New Year. Merchants close the old books and open new red cloth-bound ledgers with the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth), Lord Ganesha (auspicious beginnings), and Goddess Saraswati (knowledge, here worshipped as Sharda). The first page of the new book is marked with a swastika and 'Shubh-Labh' in kumkum, and 'Shri' is written repeatedly in a pyramid. Coins, betel nuts, turmeric, coriander, and silver are placed on the book and worshipped. A priest often chants the Sri Sukta while the family writes the first entry. Today, laptops and cash boxes are worshipped along with the ledgers. The ritual is also called Sharda Puja and is believed to ensure an honest, profitable year. Accounts are formally opened for business on Labh Panchami, five days later.

No fast is required.