Diwali Lakshmi Puja Vidhi

English

**Preparation (during the day):**
Deep-clean the house. Draw rangoli. Place diyas in every room, near tulsi, at the entrance, and at every window. Light the diyas at sunset.

**Puja (Pradosh Kaal — after sunset, ~1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after solar sunset):**

1. Set up a chowki with red cloth facing east. Place idols/photos of Lakshmi (center), Ganesha (Lakshmi's left), Kubera (Lakshmi's right), Saraswati (also common).
2. Place a **kalash** with mango leaves and coconut on top — the kalash represents the goddess.
3. In front of the kalash, place fresh cash, gold ornaments, ledger books, and household keys — items you wish blessed.
4. Light incense and lamp. Perform **Ganesh Puja first** (obstacle removal), then Lakshmi Puja with full Shodashopachara.
5. Offer **lotus flowers** (Lakshmi's favorite), sweets (especially kheer and laddu), fruits, coins.
6. Recite **Lakshmi Ashtakam** and **Sri Suktam** (Rigveda hymn to Lakshmi — traditional).
7. Perform **aarti** with "Om Jai Lakshmi Mata". Do 5 aartis: to Ganesha, Lakshmi, Kubera, Saraswati, and cash/valuables.
8. Distribute prasad. Leave the lamps burning through the night.

**Post-puja:** Business owners begin new ledger books (Chopda Pujan). Families gamble small stakes (Dyut Krida, symbolic of Lakshmi's favor).