Diwali Lakshmi puja is the most important puja of the year for most Hindu households. The tradition of inviting Goddess Lakshmi into the home on the night of Diwali goes back thousands of years — she is believed to visit homes that are clean, lit and ready to receive her blessings. Here is a straightforward guide to doing Lakshmi puja properly at home, followed by what you need to prepare.
When to Do It
Diwali Lakshmi puja is performed on Amavasya — the new moon night — during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the period of approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes after sunset. The exact timing varies by location and year. Most families perform the puja between 6 PM and 9 PM. The Nishita Kaal (midnight) is considered the most auspicious for the puja, but Pradosh Kaal is the practical and widely observed time.
Preparation — Clean the Home
Lakshmi does not enter unclean spaces. This is not symbolic — the tradition holds that the home must be genuinely clean before she arrives. Sweep all rooms, mop the floors, remove clutter. The main entrance should be particularly clean — this is where Charan Paduka (footprints of Lakshmi) are traditionally drawn in rangoli to mark her path from the entrance to the puja room.
Setting Up the Puja Space
Place a clean red or yellow cloth on the puja platform. Place the Lakshmi idol in the North or East direction. If you also have a Ganesha idol, place him on the right side of the altar (from your perspective facing the altar). Light diyas on the platform and around the altar. Place incense (agarbatti) in a holder.
Prepare a puja thali with: kumkum (red powder), haldi (turmeric), rice (akshat), red flowers especially rose or lotus, coconut, betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits, sweets (modak for Ganesha, kheer for Lakshmi), and the Lakshmi coin if you have one.
The Puja Sequence
Begin with Ganesha puja. Offer durva grass and modak in a bowl in front of Ganesha. Recite Ganesh Vandana. This clears obstacles before inviting Lakshmi.
Then proceed to Lakshmi puja. Sprinkle a few drops of Ganga jal (or clean water) over the Lakshmi idol. Apply kumkum to the idol's feet. Offer rose flowers in a bowl in front — never place flowers directly on the electroplated surface. Light the ghee lamp. Wave the lamp in a circular motion (aarti) in front of the idol while reciting Sri Lakshmi Aarti or Lakshmi Chalisa.
Place the Lakshmi coin on the puja thali in front of the idol. It absorbs the energy of the puja. After the puja is complete, keep the coin in your cash box, locker or business register — it is believed to carry Lakshmi's blessings for prosperity throughout the coming year.
After the Puja
Light diyas in every room of the house, on the entrance steps, windows and balconies. The light invites Lakshmi throughout the home, not just in the puja room. Leave the diyas burning for as long as safely possible.
The Lakshmi idol stays in the puja room year-round. Clean it with a soft dry cloth when needed. Offer fresh flowers and light a ghee lamp in front of it every Friday — Friday (Shukravar) is the day associated with Goddess Lakshmi and regular Friday worship is considered as significant as the annual Diwali puja.
What You Need
A Lakshmi idol appropriate for the puja. Gold Art India's Laxmi Mata idol with red enamel at ₹1,599 includes a gold plated coin and is specifically designed for this ritual. The Round Laxmi with red enamel and coin at ₹999 is a compact option for smaller homes. The 7 inch gold plated Lakshmi at ₹6,239 is the premium choice for a dedicated home mandir.
For the complete Diwali set, pair Lakshmi with a Ganesha from the Laxmi Ganesha collection. Browse all Lakshmi idols or use the Vastu Selector to find the most appropriate Lakshmi for your birth date or zodiac sign.
