On Diwali night, families across India worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to welcome prosperity and good fortune. The puja is done in the evening during a good time called Pradosh Kaal. Here is a simple plan you can follow at home.

Clean and decorate first

Lakshmi is believed to visit clean, bright homes. Finish cleaning a day or two before, make a rangoli at the entrance, and keep diyas ready for the doorway, windows and balcony.

Samagri list

  • Idols or a picture of Lakshmi and Ganesha (new idols are bought by many families each year).
  • A wooden chowki with a red or yellow cloth.
  • A kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut.
  • Roli, haldi, chawal (akshat), flowers, a garland and incense.
  • Diyas, ghee or oil, cotton wicks and camphor.
  • Sweets, kheel-batashe, fruits and dry fruits for prasad.
  • Coins, jewellery or account books if your family worships them.

Steps of the puja

  1. Set up the chowki facing east or north, with Ganesha on the left of Lakshmi.
  2. Place the kalash, light the main diya and do achaman (sipping water) and a short sankalp.
  3. Worship Ganesha first, then Lakshmi, offering tilak, flowers, akshat and sweets.
  4. Worship the kalash, coins or account books (bahi-khata) if part of your tradition.
  5. Read the Lakshmi stotra or chant her mantra, then do the aarti together.
  6. Light diyas around the home and share prasad with family and neighbours.

Shop and office puja

Businesses often do a separate puja for new account books, cash boxes and the shop entrance. If you want both home and shop pujas, tell the pandit early so they can plan the timing on the same evening.

Booking a pandit for Diwali

  • Diwali is one of the busiest nights of the year for pandits. Book 3 to 6 weeks early.
  • Ask how long the puja takes, so you can plan guests and dinner.
  • Agree the full price and whether samagri is included.