Deepawali Puja Guide - Preparation Deities Offerings and Thali

Diwali Puja is a central part of the Diwali festival, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. The puja is performed to honor and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good luck. Diwali Puja typically takes place on Diwali night (the third day of the five-day Diwali festival), but it can be extended into the next few days, depending on regional customs.

Here's a detailed guide to Diwali Puja, including the factors involved and how to perform it in a traditional and respectful manner.

Key Elements of Diwali Puja

1. Deities Worshipped:
2. Goddess Lakshmi: For wealth, prosperity, and well-being.
3. Lord Ganesha: For wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

4. Kuber: In some households, Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, is also worshipped to increase wealth and abundance.

5. Time of the Puja:

6. The puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening time), which starts after sunset and lasts for approximately two hours. The exact time (Muhurat) may vary based on regional and astrological considerations.

7. Preparation for Diwali Puja:

8. Cleanliness: Thorough cleaning of the house symbolizes purification and inviting Goddess Lakshmi to a clean, welcoming home.
9. Rangoli: Beautiful patterns made with colored powders, flowers, or rice are created near the entrance and altar to welcome the deities.

10. Lighting Lamps: Lighting diyas (earthen lamps) or candles all around the house signifies the triumph of light over darkness.

11. Setting up the Puja Altar:

12. Idols/Images: Place idols or pictures of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber on a clean platform, usually covered with a red or yellow cloth.
13. Kalash: A copper or brass pot filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut is placed as a symbol of prosperity.
14. Offerings (Samagri): The following items should be prepared for the puja:
    • Flowers, particularly marigolds and lotus flowers for Lakshmi.
    • Fruits (bananas, pomegranates) and sweets (laddus, halwa, modaks).
    • Incense sticks, camphor, and diya for aarti.
    • Rice, turmeric, vermilion (kumkum) for rituals.
    • Coins or jewelry symbolizing wealth.
    • New accounts books (if performing business-related puja).

Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Diwali Puja

1. Purify the Space:

2. Sprinkle water around the house and the puja area to purify it. You can use Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges River) if available.

3. Pran Pratishtha (Invoking the Deities):

4. Light a diya and some incense sticks.
5. Place the idols or pictures of Lakshmi and Ganesha in the center of the altar.

6. Close your eyes, fold your hands, and chant a small prayer inviting the deities to come into the space and bless your home.

7. Offerings and Prayers:

8. Begin by offering flowers, haldi (turmeric), kumkum (vermilion), and rice to the deities.
9. Offer sweets, fruits, and dry fruits.
10. For Lakshmi, offer lotus flowers and place gold or silver coins before her image. Light the diyas (lamps) in front of the idols.

11. Recite Lakshmi and Ganesha mantras or perform Lakshmi Stotra or Lakshmi Aarti.

12. Lakshmi Puja:

13. Puja of the Kalash: Decorate the Kalash and place it on the altar. Offer flowers, water, and rice. This Kalash symbolizes the universe and is a sign of auspiciousness.
14. Offer Prasad: Offer the sweets or fruits prepared for the deities.

15. Kuber Puja: If Lord Kuber is being worshipped, offer some coins, fruits, and incense to his image, asking for wealth and prosperity.

16. Aarti (Lighting of the Lamps):

17. Perform Aarti using a diya (lamp), singing the Lakshmi Aarti or Ganesha Aarti. Rotate the lamp in a circular motion in front of the idols to signify the removal of darkness from your life.

18. After the Aarti, distribute the Prasad (sacred offering) among all participants.

19. Offering Naivedya and Coins:

20. Place small coins or jewelry in front of Goddess Lakshmi’s image. These items are blessed and considered sacred. You can also place newly purchased items, like account books, pens, or ledgers, for blessings.

21. Conclude the Puja:

22. Offer gratitude and ask for blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for health, wealth, and happiness for the entire family.

23. Close the ceremony by chanting mantras and seeking forgiveness for any mistakes made during the puja.

24. Post-Puja Rituals:

25. After the puja, distribute the Prasad and light additional diyas in and around the house.
26. Exchange gifts with family members, friends, and neighbors as part of the celebration.

Important Tips for Diwali Puja

• Dress up in traditional clothes and ensure that everyone is in a peaceful and respectful state of mind.
• Maintain Silence and Focus: Try to maintain focus and avoid distractions during the puja.
• Light Diyas in Every Corner: It’s traditional to light diyas in every room and at the entrance to ward off evil and welcome prosperity.
• Be Punctual: Perform the puja at the designated muhurat time for the best results.

By following these steps and keeping the environment serene, you can perform Diwali Puja in a manner that honors the tradition while bringing blessings of wealth, peace, and prosperity into your home.