A detailed and practical guide on performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali according to Hindu tradition. Includes preparation, items required, step-by-step procedure, mantras, and important points to follow for a proper and meaningful puja.
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Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is the most important ritual of the festival. It is performed in the evening to invite Goddess Lakshmi into the home for prosperity, peace, and well-being. While exact customs can differ slightly from family to family and region to region, the core method remains largely the same across most Hindu households. This guide explains the best and most commonly followed way to perform the puja properly and with devotion.
Good preparation makes the puja smooth and meaningful. Start a day or two before Diwali.
Sit facing the idols. Take a little water in your right hand and mentally state your name, place, and the purpose of the puja (to seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and happiness of the family). Then drop the water on the ground or in a plate.
Always begin with Lord Ganesha. Offer flowers, rice, and kumkum. Chant “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” a few times. This removes obstacles and ensures the puja is completed smoothly.
Place the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi on the red cloth. Light the diya and incense. Offer flowers, rice, and kumkum while chanting “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”. You can also recite the Lakshmi Ashtakam or simple Lakshmi mantras if you know them. If not, sincere devotion is more important than perfect pronunciation.
Place a kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, near the idols. Offer panchamrit, fruits, sweets, and dry fruits to both deities. Sprinkle a little water around the puja area as a mark of purification.
Place some coins or currency notes in front of Goddess Lakshmi. This symbolises offering your wealth and seeking her blessings for more prosperity. Many families also keep their account books or business ledgers near the puja place.
Perform aarti with a camphor or ghee lamp. Ring the bell while doing aarti. Sing the Lakshmi Aarti or simply the common “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata” aarti. After aarti, everyone in the family can take blessings by touching the feet of elders or simply bowing.
Distribute the prasad (sweets and fruits) among all family members. It is considered auspicious to share prasad with neighbours and guests as well.
For Lord Ganesha: Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
For Goddess Lakshmi: Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
Lakshmi Gayatri (optional): Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dhimahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat
You don’t need to chant for a long time. Even a few sincere repetitions with devotion are enough.
Once the aarti is done, the family usually sits together, shares prasad, and spends time talking. Some people also play cards or do light celebrations, but the focus remains on gratitude and togetherness. The next day (Govardhan Puja or Annakut in some regions) has its own significance, but the main Lakshmi Puja is completed on Diwali evening.
The best way to perform Diwali Puja is with a clean home, a pure mind, and genuine devotion. Following the basic steps sincerely matters more than doing everything elaborately. When done with the right intention, the puja brings peace, positivity, and a sense of renewal to the entire family.
