Diwali Pooja Vidhi: Complete Lakshmi Puja Guide
The Significance of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
Diwali is celebrated across India as the festival of lights, marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. On the main Diwali night (Amavasya), Goddess Lakshmi — the deity of wealth and prosperity — is worshipped to invite abundance and good fortune into homes and businesses.
Diwali 2026 Muhurat Timings
The auspicious muhurat for Lakshmi Puja during Diwali 2026 falls on the evening of the Amavasya tithi. Always check the local Panchang for exact timings based on your city, as muhurat varies by location.
Complete Samagri (Pooja Items) List
- Lakshmi-Ganesh idols or images
- Red cloth for altar setup
- Diwali special pooja thali
- Brass diyas (minimum 11)
- Agarbatti and dhoop
- Camphor, cotton wicks
- Kumkum, haldi, akshat, roli
- Fresh flowers (lotus, marigold)
- Paan, supari, laung (cloves)
- Coconut, dry fruits, mithais
- New currency notes/coins
- Account books (for businesses)
- Kalash with water and mango leaves
Step-by-Step Lakshmi Puja Vidhi
1. Preparation
Clean the entire house, especially the pooja room. Decorate the entrance with rangoli and light decorative diyas. Place a red cloth on the altar and set up Lakshmi-Ganesh idols.
2. Kalash Sthapana
Place a brass kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut. The kalash represents the universe and the divine presence.
3. Ganesh Puja (First)
Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles. Offer modak or laddoo, apply kumkum, and chant the Ganesh mantra.
4. Lakshmi Puja
Invoke Goddess Lakshmi with devotion. Offer red flowers, kumkum, haldi, and akshat. Place new coins and notes near the idol. Light 11 diyas and chant Lakshmi mantras.
5. Aarti and Prasad
Perform aarti with camphor, distribute prasad, and light the entire house with diyas. The light symbolizes knowledge, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil.
Important Do's and Don'ts
- Do keep all doors and windows open during the pooja
- Do light diyas in every room, especially the entrance
- Don't use broken or cracked diyas
- Don't let the main diya extinguish during the night
- Do share prasad and sweets with neighbours
