Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in the world and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. On this auspicious day, families gather to honor people Goddess Lakshmithe deity of wealth, prosperity and fortune, by performing the Lakshmi Puja. This puja is believed to invite peace, wealth and prosperity into one’s home, filling the coming year with blessings.
Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to performing the Lakshmi Puja at home, ensuring that the ritual is performed with respect and devotion.

1. Clean and purify your home

Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and purity, is said to reside only in clean and well-maintained spaces. Start by thoroughly cleaning your house, especially the area where you want to perform the puja. Clear away clutter and organize your space as a sign of respect and to invite positive energy. After you have cleaned, sprinkle Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) in every room, purifying the environment. Many people also use incense or dhoop to cleanse the air, which is believed to repel negative energies.

2. Set up the puja platform

Then choose a quiet and clean location to set up your puja platform. Spread a red cotton cloth on a raised table or on the floor in your designated puja room. Red is considered auspicious and is often used in ceremonies to attract positive vibrations. In the center of this cloth, place a small handful of grains, symbolizing abundance, fertility and stability, creating a sacred foundation for the ritual.

3. Place and prepare the kalash

The kalash, or sacred pot, is a central part of Hindu rituals and symbolizes life and the universe. Place the kalash on top of the grains in the center of the puja platform. Fill the pot three-quarters full with fresh water and add a supari (betel nut), a marigold flower, a mint and some rice grains. Then place five mango leaves around the mouth of the kalash in a circular pattern. This arrangement is believed to represent creation and prosperity, bringing divine energy into your home.

4. Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha

Place a beautiful idol or statue of Goddess Lakshmi in the center of the platform as she is the center of the puja. To her right (southwest direction) place an idol of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, who is also worshiped during Diwali. For Lakshmi’s idol, make a small mound of rice grains in a plate and draw a lotus with haldi (turmeric). Place a few coins on this lotus, symbolizing abundance and devotion.

5. Arrange business and asset-related matters

For business owners or professionals, Diwali is also an occasion to seek blessings for prosperity and success. Place your business books, wealth-related items, or other objects related to your career in front of the idols. This symbolic gesture represents your wish for financial stability and progress, and invokes the goddess’s blessings for continued success and fortune.

6. Apply tilak and light diyas

Applying tilak (a red stain made with kumkum or sandalwood paste) on the idols, kalash and your own forehead is a gesture of respect and reverence. It signifies purity and devotion and helps create a connection with the divine. After this, light the diyas (oil lamps) around the puja area, which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and invite divine energy into the space. Many people use ghee or sesame oil lamps as they are believed to attract blessings and drive away negativity.

7. Offer flowers

Flowers play an important role in Hindu rituals and symbolize beauty, purity and devotion. Offer fresh flowers, such as marigolds, to both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, place some at the base of the idols and hold a few in your hands for prayer. It is believed that fresh, vibrant flowers attract positive energy and divine blessings during the ritual.

8. Recite mantras

With flowers in your hands, do a namaskar, close your eyes and recite Diwali puja mantras dedicated to the gods. Common mantras include the Shree Lakshmi mantraOm Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah, and the Ganesh mantra, Om Gan Ganapataye Namah. Chanted with focus and devotion, these mantras are believed to invoke divine energy and invite peace, prosperity and protection into your home. After reciting the mantras, offer the flowers to the idols.

9. Offer water and panchamrita to the goddess

Offering water to the goddess is a gesture of purification and devotion. Bathe the Lakshmi idol with plain water, followed by panchamrita (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar), which represents nourishment, purity and sweetness. After this ritual cleansing, gently wipe the idol and place it back on the platform.

10. Offer streamers and burn incense

Decorate the idols with garlands, especially around the neck of Goddess Lakshmi. Garlands made from marigolds or fresh flowers are traditional and represent beauty and devotion. Apply Haldikumkum and rice grains for the idol as a mark of respect. Then light incense sticks or dhoop, allowing the fragrant smoke to fill the air. This not only purifies the space but is also believed to attract divine energies.

11. Present fruits, sweets and symbolic objects

Offer coconut, supari, betel leaves, fresh fruits and sweets like ladoos or modaks to the goddess. These offerings represent nourishment, purity and gratitude and invite the blessings of the goddess into your life. Place additional flowers and coins in front of the idol, which symbolizes abundance and your desire for prosperity.

12. Perform the aarti

The aarti, or final prayer, is the most important part of the Lakshmi Puja and expresses gratitude and devotion to the goddess. Place a diya (oil lamp) on a plate, also called a thali, and circle it in front of the idol, clockwise. Ring a puja bell to create a sacred sound that resonates through the space, purifying and uplifting the energy in the room. Sing or chant the Lakshmi aarti while performing this ritual, allowing the vibrations to fill the environment with positivity.

Additional tips for a wonderful Diwali Puja

Dress Traditionally: It is recommended to wear traditional attire in clean, fresh clothing, which symbolizes respect and willingness for the blessings of the goddess. Maintain silence and devotion: Make sure the environment is quiet and serene so that you can connect with the spiritual aspects of the puja. Use calmness, respectful approach: this ritual is as much about inner peace as it is about material blessings. Perform each step carefully and respectfully. Performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is not only a way to honor the goddess of wealth, but also an opportunity to cultivate gratitude, focus on family and invite harmony into the home. By following these steps, you will create a sacred, loving atmosphere in which you can welcome the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, illuminating your life with prosperity and peace all year round.