Major Hindu Festivals

Diwali Guide: Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, and Prosperity Rituals

Bhakti Voice

भक्ति वॉइस

Celebrated on Amavasya Tithi when it prevails during Pradosh Kaal after sunset.

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Deepavali or Diwali, the radiant 'Festival of Lights', is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) tithi of the Kartika month. Symbolizing the ultimate triumph of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and prosperity over poverty, Diwali spans five joyous days from Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja to Bhai Dooj. The centerpiece of the festival is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi (the deity of wealth and spiritual purity) and Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal and Sthir Lagna.

The story

Diwali marks the historic return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the conquest over Ravana. The citizens of Ayodhya illuminated the entire kingdom with millions of earthen ghee lamps to welcome their righteous King. Historically, Diwali is also the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Samudra Manthan bearing the pot of nectar and prosperity.

Traditions

Lighting rows of earthen mustard oil and cow ghee lamps (Diyas)
Drawing intricate colored rice flour Rangolis at the threshold
Worship of account books (Bahi-Khata), gold coins, and Kuber Yantra
Distributing sweets, dry fruits, and gifts among family and friends
Bursting eco-friendly crackers and night-long lighting of Akash Deep

Puja at home

Spread a red silk cloth on a raised wooden chowki. Place Goddess Lakshmi on the right and Lord Ganesha on the left. Set up a sacred Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut wrapped in red thread. Offer unbroken rice (Akshat), Kumkum, Kamal Gatta (lotus seeds), fresh yellow marigold and pink lotus flowers. Light a 4-wick mustard oil diya and a ghee lamp. Recite Shree Suktam, Kanakadhara Stotram, and perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Aarti followed by distribution of Kheel-Batasha prasad.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lakshmi Puja performed during Pradosh Kaal and Sthir Lagna?

Pradosh Kaal (approx 2 hours 24 mins after sunset) coupled with Sthir Lagna (like Vrishabha Lagna) ensures that Goddess Lakshmi stays permanently in the household without flickering away.

Which directional alignment is best for Diwali Puja?

The altar should ideally face the North or North-East (Ishanya) direction, as North is ruled by Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi.

Why are Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha worshipped together?

Wealth without intellect and righteousness leads to downfall. Lord Ganesha bestows wisdom (Buddhi) to rightly manage the prosperity gifted by Goddess Lakshmi.