Diwali, the festival of lights, is a very popular and most endearing festival in India. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and evil over good. The highlight of the Diwali celebration is the worship of Diwali Pooja, a ritual that is conducted to seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other gods for prosperity, wealth, and bliss. For people who want spiritual advice in these auspicious moments, visiting the best Pandit in Ujjain can provide more in-depth facts and customized rituals.
If you have ever been curious about the meaning, rituals, and procedures of conducting Diwali Pooja, this blog will lead you through all that you must know in order to make your celebrations spiritually rewarding.
Why is Diwali Pooja significant?
Diwali Pooja is not merely a custom; it is a very sacred practice that unites families with devotion. In Hindu mythology, on this day:
Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of prosperity and wealth, comes to neat and lit-up homes.
Lord Ganesha, the obstacle remover, is prayed to for success and bliss.
Lord Kubera, the god treasurer, is also prayed to for abundance of money.
Diwali Pooja with devotion is believed to bring blessings, tranquility, and prosperity into life.
When is Diwali Pooja Performed?
Diwali Pooja is performed on Amavasya (new moon) night in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). The most ideal time for performing the pooja is during Pradosh Kaal, that is, after sunset when the stars are visible.
Diwali in 2024 is on Friday, November 1st, and the ideal time for Lakshmi Pooja will be from 6:09 PM to 8:20 PM.
Preparing for Diwali Pooja
Before you actually do the pooja, you must prepare your house and mind for the sacred ritual. Here’s how you can prepare:
1. Clean and Decorate Your Home
Godess Lakshmi is said to visit only neat and well-adorned houses. Sweep, mop, and adorn your house with rangoli, diyas (oil lamps), and flowers.
2. Pooja Essentials
Here’s a list of materials needed:
Idols or photographs of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera
Kalash (sacred pot) containing water, garnished with mango leaves and a coconut
Diyas (oil lamps) and incense sticks
Fruits, flowers, and sweets as prasad
Rice, turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste
Coins, silver/gold items, and fresh account books (for businessmen)
3. Dress in Clean and Traditional Attire
It is the tradition to dress in new or freshly cleaned attire, ideally yellow or red, as these colors are auspicious for Diwali.
Step-by-Step Diwali Pooja Rituals
1. Sankalp (Setting the Intention)
Sit in front of the deities and make a vow (Sankalp) to conduct the pooja with sincerity.
2. Ganesh Pooja
As Lord Ganesha is the first to be worshipped in all Hindu puja ceremonies, offer flowers, modak (his favorite sweet), and light a diya in his name.
3. Kalash Sthapana
Put the Kalash (sacred pot) beside the idols, as a symbol of the divine energy’s presence.
4. Invoking Goddess Lakshmi
Recite Lakshmi mantras and offer flowers, kumkum, and sweets to the Goddess. Light a ghee diya and let it burn throughout the pooja.
Popular Lakshmi Mantra: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah”
5. Kubera Pooja
Pray to Lord Kubera, the god of wealth and treasurer of gods, by putting coins or silver articles in front of the idol.
6. Aarti and Prasad Distribution
Recite the Lakshmi Aarti and distribute the prasad (fruits and sweets) to the gods. Later, share it with family members.
7. Lighting Diyas
Light diyas in all corners of the house after pooja to invite positivity and keep negativity at bay.
Significance of Diwali Pooja in Different Regions
Though the spirit of Diwali Pooja is one and the same, various parts of India have their own traditions:
North India: Observes Lord Rama’s arrival in Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
South India: Remembers Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura.
West India: Businesspeople perform Chopda Pooja, offering puja to account books.
East India: Goddess Kali is worshiped instead of Lakshmi.
Modern-Day Diwali Pooja: Mixing Tradition with Convenience
In today’s fast-paced world, many people opt for simplified pooja methods without compromising on devotion. Here are some tips:
#Use pre-packaged pooja kits if short on time.
#Play recorded mantras or aartis if you’re not familiar with chants.
#Virtual poojas for families living apart.
However, nothing beats the joy of performing the rituals together as a family!
Final Thoughts
The True Essence of Diwali Pooja
Diwali Pooja is not only a ritual but also an act of gratitude, asking for blessings, and bonding the family closer together. When the diyas sparkle and the mantras reverberate in the air, one can certainly sense the presence of the divine.