Diwali rituals involve worshiping Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. The Puja Sthal should be cleaned thoroughly, and the idols of the deities should be placed with Goddess Lakshmi on the right side of Lord Ganesh. Diwali is celebrated for several reasons, but it is most commonly known for marking the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his exile. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting diyas and celebrating on a large scale.
Dos and Don’ts for Diwali Laxmi Puja 2024
To have a safe and joyful Diwali in 2024, here are some dos and don’ts you should follow to get the blessings of Goddess Laxmi:
Dos:
➤ Clean and decorate homes with diyas, rangoli, and flowers, as cleanliness is deemed auspicious.
➤ Place a Manglik Kalash with a coconut at the main entrance to symbolize prosperity.
➤ Conduct puja in the northeast corner of the home, with idols of Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganesh positioned on a red cloth.
➤ Include valuable items like gold and silver in the puja to represent wealth.
➤ Perform puja during Pradosh Kaal to align with traditional practices.Don’ts:
➤ Avoid using glass idols, opting instead for clay or silver.
➤ Keep the entrance free of footwear as a sign of respect for the goddess.
➤ Refrain from leaving the puja area unattended overnight to keep the lamp lit.
➤ Avoid money transactions, lending, or borrowing during Diwali.
➤ Do not gift leather items, sharp objects, or fireworks, as they are considered inauspicious.
➤ Use clay or silver utensils for rituals, and avoid iron utensils.
➤ Maintain cleanliness around the home, especially avoiding trash on doorsteps.
➤ Abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol to honor traditional practices.
Here are some other things you should keep in mind for Laxmi Puja
1. Decorate your home creatively with rangoli, flowers, and light candles. Be cautious while lighting candles and keep a first-aid kit with burn creams for emergencies.
2. Personalize your gifts for loved ones instead of buying generic items. Adding a heartfelt note or handmade crafts can make the presents more meaningful.
3. Consider the well-being of stray animals who might be distressed by loud firecrackers. Place water bowls and blankets outside your home to help them.
4. Participate in fun activities and games with family and friends to enhance the festive spirit. Traditional card games, tambola, dancing, and singing are recommended.
5. Help those in need by donating clothes, food, or money to local charities, shelters, or community organizations. Your generosity can make a significant impact on someone else’s celebration.
Diwali 2024 Laxmi Puja Timings
The timing of Lakshmi Puja is significant during Diwali. It is conducted during the Pradosh Kaal after sunset and ideally during the Mahanishita Kaal, or late-night hours. According to tradition, performing Lakshmi Puja during these times brings prosperity and peace.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 06:52 PM to 08:41 PM
Pradosh Kaal – 06:10 PM to 08:52 PM
Vrishabha Kaal – 06:52 PM to 08:41 PM