Lakshmi Puja at Home: Meaning, Setup and Step-by-Step Guide

Lakshmi Puja is the heart of Diwali. On the new-moon evening, families welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, well-being and fortune, together with Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This guide describes the usual form of worship. Customs vary by region, family and priestly tradition, so treat it as a starting point and follow your family's practice or a priest's guidance.

Timing

The puja is traditionally performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset, on the day when Amavasya falls in that period. The exact auspicious time (muhurat) changes every year and by city. Check a local panchang or temple announcement for it.

Preparation

• Clean the home thoroughly in the days before, especially the entrance and the prayer area.
• Decorate the entrance with rangoli, a toran and rows of diyas. See Rangoli, diyas and torans.
• Arrange the altar: a clean cloth on a raised surface, with images or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha. Many families also include Saraswati or Kubera.
• Gather items: a kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut; flowers (traditionally a lotus if available); rice, turmeric and kumkum; incense and lamps; fruit and sweets; betel leaves and nuts; and coins or a new ledger.

Step-by-step outline

1. Sankalpa: sit calmly and state your intention to perform the puja.
2. Ganesha first: invoke Ganesha with flowers and a lamp, as is customary at the start of any ritual.
3. Kalash: place and worship the pot, representing divine presence.
4. Invite Lakshmi: offer water, flowers, rice and kumkum to her image, with a chant such as the Lakshmi Ashtottara or a simple "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah".
5. Offerings: present sweets, fruit and coins. Some families offer puffed rice and batasha.
6. Aarti: light a lamp, wave it before the deity and sing a Lakshmi aarti with the family.
7. Prasad: share the offerings and conclude with a prayer for family well-being.

Regional variations

Merchant communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan perform Chopda Pujan, worshipping new account books. In Bengal the goddess is worshipped on Sharad Purnima as Kojagari Lakshmi, while Diwali night is Kali Puja. In Maharashtra, people also honour Kubera and the family's valuables, and in the south the focus may be on Naraka Chaturdashi mornings. See also Diwali in different regions.

After the puja

Lamps are often kept burning through the night. Many families leave the main door open or a lamp at the threshold as a welcome. Next morning begins Govardhan Puja and, two days later, Bhai Dooj. To understand why Lakshmi is honoured, read Goddess Lakshmi: stories and symbols.