Diwali, or Deepawali, is a joyful festival celebrated all over India and is one of the most anticipated events of the year. This five-day celebration starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj, filled with rituals, lights, and family gatherings. During this time, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is honored as families and businesses perform pujas to seek prosperity and good health.
Lakshmi Puja - Diwali 2024: Significance
Amavasya, the new moon day, is the most important day of Diwali and is celebrated as Lakshmi Puja. This day, often referred to as Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, sees households and businesses performing rituals dedicated to invoking blessings of prosperity, health, and success. The worship includes not only Goddess Lakshmi but also other deities such as Lord Ganesha, and in some regions, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali. Diwali Puja is especially significant for Hindu business families, as it marks a ceremonial beginning to their financial year. On this day, ledgers, ink bottles, and pens, known as Davat (दावात) and Lekhani (लेखनी), are symbolically sanctified as a tribute to prosperity. Traditional account books, called Bahi-Khate (बही-खाते), are worshipped alongside.
30+ Creative Diwali 2024 Rangoli Design Patterns for Your Home and Entrance
How to Perform Lakshmi Puja at Home?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing the Lakshmi Puja at home:
- Clean and Decorate the Space: Start by cleaning your home thoroughly, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean spaces. Decorate your home entrance and puja room with rangoli and light oil lamps to welcome the divine.
- Set up the Puja Area: Arrange a platform and cover it with a clean cloth. Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the platform. Additionally, set aside new account books, pens, and any symbolic items related to your business or home for blessings.
- Invoke the Deities: Begin the puja by lighting a diya and chanting prayers. Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense. You can also place a Kalash (pot) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut on the platform.
- Lakshmi Aarti and Offerings: Perform the aarti of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, accompanied by devotional songs. Offer sweets, rice, and coins as a symbol of abundance.
- Place Diyas Around the Home: Light diyas around your home and leave one diya facing south in honor of Yama, the god of death, to seek protection for your family.
- Sanctify the Business Items: If you are a business owner, place your account books, pens, and ink bottles in front of the deities. Perform a small prayer for a prosperous financial year ahead.
Diwali 2024: Auspicious Muhurat for Puja
Diwali Puja is traditionally done in the evening, during the Pradosh Kaal, the time after sunset. The Muhurat (auspicious timing) is considered most powerful during this period, as it is believed that rituals performed during Pradosh bring prosperity and peace. Ideally, the day of Diwali Puja is selected based on when the Amavasya Tithi aligns with the Pradosh Kaal, even if the auspicious timing is brief.
Diwali is more than a festival of lights—it’s a celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and abundance. By performing Lakshmi Puja at home with devotion and dedication, one invites blessings of prosperity and happiness into their life. This Diwali may every diya lit illuminate your life with success, health, and joy, and may Goddess Lakshmi bless your family and endeavors for the year ahead.
This beautiful celebration serves as a reminder of the power of faith, unity, and gratitude, making Diwali a cherished tradition for millions.
Also Read | Diwali 2024 Date and Time: When to do Diwali Lakshmi Puja - October 31 or November 1?
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