Diwali is the festival of lights, and the evening Lakshmi puja is its heart. You do not need elaborate rituals to do it well. This guide gives a simple order that many families follow, which you can adapt to your own tradition.
When to do the puja
Lakshmi puja is traditionally held in the evening, after sunset, on the new-moon day (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik. The exact auspicious window (muhurat) changes every year and by city, so check a local panchang or your family priest.
What to keep ready
Use our aarti thali checklist as the base, then add these for Diwali:
- Images or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on a clean red or yellow cloth
- Diyas: at least one for the puja, more for the home
- Coins or currency notes, and a small Shri Yantra if you have one
- Lotus or rose petals, sweets and fruit for prasad
- A kalash with water, a coconut and mango leaves
Step-by-step vidhi
- Clean and decorate. Tidy the house, draw a rangoli at the entrance and light diyas at the door.
- Bathe and dress in clean clothes. Sit facing east or north if the space allows.
- Light the main diya and take a short sankalp: quietly say who you are and that you are doing the puja for the well-being of your family.
- Worship Ganesha first. Offer a tilak, flowers and durva, then sing Jai Ganesh Deva.
- Invite Lakshmi. Offer kumkum, akshat, petals and sweets, then place the coins before the image.
- Sing the Lakshmi aarti. Wave the thali clockwise while singing Om Jai Lakshmi Mata. Ring the bell gently and offer camphor at the end.
- Close with Vishnu’s aarti. Om Jai Jagdish Hare is a common closing aarti.
- Distribute prasad and light diyas around the home.
If you are new to aarti, the step-by-step aarti guide explains the thali movement and bell.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Rushing. A calm 20-minute puja is better than a hurried one.
- Unsafe diyas. Keep diyas away from curtains and children, and never leave them unattended.
- Overloading the thali. You need space to hold it and wave it steadily.
- Worrying about perfection. Traditions differ by region and family. Sincerity matters most.
A note on Diwali across India
Some regions begin the festival with Dhanteras and end with Bhai Dooj, and some communities worship Kali or Krishna on this night. If your family has a different custom, follow it. This guide is a simple starting point, not the only way.
Frequently asked questions
Which aarti is sung in Diwali puja?
Most families sing Jai Ganesh Deva first, then Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, and close with Om Jai Jagdish Hare.
Do I need a pandit for Diwali puja at home?
No. A simple puja done with devotion and a clean, calm setup is accepted in most family traditions. Follow your own family custom where one exists.
When is the best time for Lakshmi puja?
Traditionally the puja is done in the evening after sunset on the Amavasya of Kartik. Check a local panchang for the exact muhurat in your city.