How to Perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali | Step-by-Step Guide

Importance of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali

Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals performed on Diwali, the festival of lights. People believe that by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, they can invite prosperity, happiness, and good fortune into their homes. Performing Lakshmi Puja correctly can help bless your household with abundance for the entire year.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lakshmi Puja

1. Clean and Prepare the Home

Cleaning your house is the first step before performing the Puja. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to enter homes that are neat and tidy. Clean all rooms and sprinkle holy water (Gangajal) to purify the environment. If Gangajal is not available, you can use water mixed with a pinch of turmeric​.

2. Set Up the Puja Area

Choose a quiet, clean space for the Puja. Spread a red cloth on a table or elevated platform, and place some rice grains at the center. On top of this, put a Kalash (a water-filled metal pot), which is considered sacred​.

3. Place the Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha

Set up the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Place Ganesha on the right side of Lakshmi, as it is believed that his presence helps remove obstacles. Draw a lotus flower with turmeric powder in front of Lakshmi and place some coins on it​.

4. Light Lamps and Offer Flowers

Light diyas (oil lamps) and incense sticks. Offer fresh flowers to both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. You can use marigold or lotus flowers, as they are considered auspicious​.

5. Offer Prayers and Chant Mantras

Begin the Puja by offering your prayers. If you know any Lakshmi mantras, chant them. If not, you can simply fold your hands, close your eyes, and offer a heartfelt prayer for wealth and happiness. You can also play recorded mantras on your phone if needed.

6. Perform the Aarti

Once the prayers are done, perform Aarti by rotating a lighted lamp in front of the idols in a clockwise direction. Sing the Lakshmi Aarti if you know it, or play it from a reliable source. After the Aarti, offer sweets, fruits, coconut, and betel leaves to the goddess​.

Items You Will Need for Lakshmi Puja

To make things easier, here is a list of basic items you will need for performing Lakshmi Puja:

• Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
• Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water
• Rice grains, flowers, and coins
• Diyas (oil lamps) and incense sticks
• Fruits, sweets, and coconut for offerings
• Kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood paste​.

A Simple Touch of Tradition

During Diwali, families also place their business-related items (like account books, laptops, etc.) in front of the idols to seek blessings for their work and professional life. This symbolizes prosperity not just at home, but also in business​.

For those interested in adding a beautiful touch to your Diwali setup, you can explore spiritual idols and decor at Divine Shopy, which offers a range of items perfect for creating a sacred space at home.

By following these simple steps, you can perform Lakshmi Puja at home and bring blessings for the year ahead. Whether you are new to the ritual or performing it for the first time, this guide ensures that you complete the Puja with devotion and simplicity. Happy Diwali!