Diwali 2024: According to the tradition, performing a proper Lakshmi Puja at the right time on Diwali ensures that Goddess Mahalakshmi graces one’s home, bringing abundance and prosperity throughout the year. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, 2024. The Pradosh Kaal (early evening) and Nishita Kaal (late night) muhurats are considered the most auspicious times for Lakshmi Puja, though other favorable muhurats are available as well.
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Diwali 2024 Puja Muhurat:
- Pradosh Kaal Muhurat: 5:35 PM – 8:11 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal Muhurat: 6:21 PM – 8:17 PM
- Nishita Kaal Muhurat: 11:39 PM – 12:31 AM (midnight)
- Additional Choghadiya Muhurats for Diwali Puja:
- Shubh (Good): 4:13 PM – 5:36 PM
- Amrit (Best): 5:36 PM – 7:14 PM
- Char (Neutral): 7:14 PM – 8:51 PM
Diwali Puja Rituals:
- For Diwali Puja, it is recommended that couples perform the rituals together as a pair for optimal blessings.
- Set up a red cloth on the puja altar in the northeast (Ishaan) corner of the home, and light a diya at each corner of the altar.
- Place the idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi atop a small mound of uncooked rice.
- While diyas may already be lit around the house, a ghee diya should be lit specifically during the puja as a symbol of Agni Dev (Fire God) bearing witness. Prepare two large diyas, one filled with oil and another with ghee.
- Begin the ritual by worshiping Lord Ganesh first, followed by establishing the kalash (sacred pot) for the puja. Offer items like kumkum, haldi, sindoor, rice, sandalwood, and ashtagandha to the images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Worship any new coins purchased on Dhanteras, sprinkling them with water and performing the abhishek (anointing) ritual.
- Conclude with offerings of food and aarti. As a customary gesture, family members may light a few firecrackers after the puja.
Choosing The Right Idol Of Lakshmi-Ganesh:
For families, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh seated together are ideal, as this symbolises prosperity in the household. In workplaces or factories where machinery is predominant, it’s traditional to place a standing idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
