This festival is celebrated during the Hindu New Year, marking the beginning of a fresh financial year. It is believed that performing Chopda Pujan invokes prosperity, success, and positive energy in the new business year. This day is also linked to the planetary alignments, particularly with the Sun and Mercury, which represent success and intelligence in business.
Chopda Pujan, also known as Muhurat Pujan, is an integral ritual in the Hindu festival of Diwali, particularly celebrated by the business community in India. This auspicious occasion marks the beginning of the new financial year. It is a time when businessmen, traders, and shopkeepers close their old account books and open new ones, invoking blessings for prosperity and success. The word Chopda refers to the account ledger, and Pujan denotes the act of worship. It symbolizes the dismissal of negativity and the welcoming of wealth and good fortune.
Chopda Pujan in 2024 is set to take place during the Diwali festivities, which generally occur in late October or early November. The exact date and timing are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2024, Chopda Pujan will be celebrated on November 1st. The auspicious time for performing the puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset and lasts for about two and a half hours. It is crucial to perform the puja during this time to ensure maximum spiritual benefits and blessings from the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
The significance of Chopda Pujan is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. One of the popular stories associated with this ritual involves Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that she visits the Earth during Diwali, blessing those who have prepared well and kept their homes and businesses clean and illuminated. Another mythological tale speaks of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, who is also worshiped during Chopda Pujan to ensure the smooth running of business ventures.
Vedic astrology plays a significant role in determining the timing and rituals of Chopda Pujan. Astrologers suggest performing the puja during an auspicious muhurat to align the energy of the planets with the blessings of the deities. The alignment of celestial bodies during this time is believed to enhance prosperity and remove obstacles from ones path. The nakshatras or star constellations also influence the effectiveness of the puja, making it essential to consult an astrologer for precise timings.
In 2024, Chopda Pujan will be influenced by the positioning of key planets like Jupiter and Venus, which are considered beneficial for wealth and success. Jupiter, known as the teacher of gods, signifies wisdom and growth, making it an ideal time for starting new ventures. Venus, the planet of wealth and luxury, enhances the financial prospects of individuals and businesses. Performing Chopda Pujan during this period can amplify these positive energies, attracting abundance and prosperity.
The rituals of Chopda Pujan are elaborate and require meticulous preparation. The ceremony begins with the cleaning of the premises and the decoration of the place with rangoli and diyas. The account books are placed on a clean cloth, and a swastika symbol is drawn on them. The puja involves offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, using items like flowers, sweets, incense sticks, and coconut. Aarti is performed, and the new account books are inaugurated by writing Shubha Labh on them, meaning auspicious profit.
Chopda Pujan is not only a financial ritual but also a practice that offers health and spiritual benefits. The act of cleaning and organizing spaces helps reduce stress and creates a peaceful environment. The puja rituals encourage mindfulness and focus, enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance. Spiritually, it is an opportunity to reflect on ones actions, seek forgiveness, and make resolutions for personal growth and ethical business practices.
Mantra chanting is an essential aspect of Chopda Pujan, believed to invoke divine energies and purify the surroundings. The chanting of the Om Gan Ganapataye Namah mantra is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings to remove obstacles. The Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah mantra is recited to please Goddess Lakshmi, inviting wealth and prosperity. These mantras create a positive vibration, enhancing the spiritual experience of the puja.
In modern times, Chopda Pujan has transcended its traditional boundaries and is celebrated with a blend of customs and contemporary practices. Many businesses conduct virtual pujas, allowing employees and stakeholders to participate from different locations. Digital tools are used to maintain account books, yet the essence of Chopda Pujan remains intact. The festival is also an occasion for corporate social responsibility initiatives, where businesses engage in charitable activities, reflecting the spirit of giving and community welfare.
Chopda Pujan 2024 is a festival that beautifully combines tradition with modernity, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary practices. Its significance extends beyond financial prosperity, encompassing spiritual growth and community well-being. As businesses and individuals prepare for this auspicious occasion, they not only seek divine blessings but also renew their commitment to ethical practices and societal contributions. Whether through traditional rituals or innovative celebrations, Chopda Pujan continues to inspire and enrich lives, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Joy Story Foundation is a section-8, non-profit organization founded in November 2019, registered with Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. It aspires to build stories around “Joy for Everyone” by practicing the values of collective philanthropy and by maintaining utmost transparency in order to achieve it. Our vision is to ensure that we do our bit to free the world of gloom, sorrow, deprivation, pessimism, and pain by inducing small positive moments to bring joy in the world. And we would go to any extent to achieve that, irrespective of geographical boundaries, religion, age, color or need. Our giving would be completely unbiased, non- religious and non-political.