Diwali, a festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil, is being celebrated today. The festival marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his triumph over Ravana. As per Drik Panchang, for the year 2025, the date for Lakshmi Puja is today. The Tithi for Amavasya begins at 3:44 PM on 20 October and ends at 5:54 PM on 21 October.
To perform Lakshmi Puja at home, begin by thoroughly cleaning the house, as cleanliness is considered essential to invite the Goddess of Wealth. Decorate the home with rangoli and flowers, and light diyas (oil lamps). After taking a bath and wearing clean clothes, place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean red or yellow cloth, preferably on a low table or chowki, ideally facing east or north.
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Prepare a puja thali with essentials such as a diya with ghee or oil, incense sticks, camphor, flowers (like rose, lotus, or marigold), garlands, fresh fruits (banana, mango, pomegranate), sweets (mithai) such as laddoos or pedhas, nuts and dry fruits, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste, red vermilion thread (kalava), rice, coins or money (symbolic of wealth), betel leaves and nuts (paan and supari), and a pot of clean water.
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Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha with offerings of flowers, incense, a lamp, and sweets, chanting “Om Ganeshaya Namah.” Then, invoke Goddess Lakshmi, offering her water, flowers, fruits, incense, and a lamp, along with chanting mantras such as “Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah.” Apply tilak on the idols, sprinkle akshat (rice mixed with turmeric), and place money or coins near the idols as a sign of welcoming prosperity. Light the diya and let its flame burn throughout the puja.
Next, perform Arati by waving the lit diya or camphor in circular motions in front of the deities while singing or chanting the Lakshmi Arati. Afterward, distribute the prasad, offering it first to the deities and then among family members and guests. Conclude the ceremony with prayers for your family’s well-being, prosperity, peace, and for the removal of negative energy.
After the puja, it is customary to keep the house illuminated, ideally leaving the diyas lit throughout the night, as a symbolic gesture to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the home.
Also Read: Diwali 2025: Don’t Miss These Mantras to Invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings During Diwali Puja