Diwali Lakshmi Puja Katha

• Deities: Mother Lakshmi, Shri Ganesh, Kubera • When: Kartik Amavasya (Deepavali) • Puja time: Pradosh Kaal / Sthir Lagna (see the Panchang) • Fast: Not compulsory • Main lesson: Lakshmi is believed to dwell in a home of cleanliness, hard work and harmony

Deepavali is the festival of light. On the evening of Kartik Amavasya, Lakshmi-Ganesh are worshipped. Ganesh Ji is the remover of obstacles and Lakshmi Ji is the goddess of prosperity, so the two are worshipped together. In tradition this day is also linked to the memory of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya, and to the belief that Lakshmi Ji appeared from the churning of the ocean. Different kathas are found according to region.

• On Kartik Amavasya, about two days after Dhanteras. • Puja during Pradosh Kaal and Sthir Lagna is considered best. For the exact muhurta see the Panchang.

• An idol or picture of Lakshmi-Ganesh, a chowki, a red or yellow cloth • A kalash, mango leaves, coconut • Roli, akshat, lotus or marigold flowers, perfume • Khil, batashe, sweets, fruit, betel nut, paan • A silver coin, account books or pen (for traders) • Lamps of ghee or oil, incense, camphor

1. Clean the house and decorate the door with rangoli and a toran. 2. Bathe in the evening and wear clean clothes. 3. Set up Lakshmi-Ganesh on a chowki and place a kalash. 4. Take the resolve, then worship Ganesh Ji first and then Lakshmi Ji. 5. Offer roli, akshat, flowers, perfume and bhog. 6. Chant 'Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseeda Praseeda Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Mahalakshmyai Namah'. 7. Listen to the katha and perform the aarti. 8. Light lamps in every corner of the house, at the door and near the tulsi.

• Keep the house clean and lit. • Distribute sweets among family and those in need. • Take the blessing of elders. • Donate according to your capacity.

• Do not make this festival a basis for gambling and the like; that is a misuse of tradition. • Do not cause trouble to animals, the elderly and the environment with firecrackers. • Avoid anger and dispute.

It is believed that when Lakshmi-Ganesh are worshipped with faith, happiness, prosperity and peace stay in the home. This is not a guarantee of getting wealth, but a festival of gratitude and restraint.

• Mantra: "Om Mahalakshmyai Namah", "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" • Lakshmi aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-lakshmi-mata • Ganesh aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/jai-ganesh-deva

Q: When should the Lakshmi puja be done on Deepavali? A: In the evening of Kartik Amavasya, in Pradosh Kaal or Sthir Lagna. See the Panchang for your city. Q: Why is Ganesh Ji worshipped along with Lakshmi Ji? A: Ganesh Ji is the god of intelligence and the removal of obstacles. In tradition, intelligence and discernment are considered necessary along with Lakshmi. Q: How many lamps should be lit on Deepavali? A: There is no fixed number. By tradition lamps are lit at the puja spot, the door, the courtyard and near the tulsi. People also light 11 or 21 lamps. Q: Is it necessary to keep a fast on Deepavali? A: No, it is not compulsory. Some people fast until the puja. Decide according to your health. Q: What is the difference between Deepavali and Dhanteras? A: Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day festival, while Deepavali is the main day on which Lakshmi-Ganesh puja is done.

Take care of your health while fasting and consult a doctor if needed. This katha is a retelling of a traditional story. The method and the form of the katha differ by region.