Diwali — Lakshmi Pooja

• Red cloth for the chowki
• Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha
• Copper or brass Kalash
• Five mango leaves and a whole coconut
• Diya, ghee, and cotton wicks
• Agarbatti and dhoop
• Fresh flowers (lotus or marigold)
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Kumkum, haldi, chandan
• Sweets and fruits for offering
• Betel leaves and supari
• A few coins or a small idol of Kuber

1. 1Clean the home thoroughly during the day; sprinkle a little Gangajal in each room to purify the space.
2. 2Bathe and wear fresh clothes, ideally red or other auspicious colours.
3. 3Just after sunset (Pradosh Kaal), place a red cloth on the chowki where the puja will be performed.
4. 4Set the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha — Ganesha to the left of Lakshmi.
5. 5Set up the Kalash: a copper or brass pot filled with water, five mango leaves around the rim, a coconut placed on top.
6. 6Light a diya, agarbatti, and dhoop in front of the deities.
7. 7Begin with Ganesha worship — chant Om Gan Ganapataye Namah while offering flowers and akshat.
8. 8Invoke Goddess Lakshmi by sprinkling holy water on her idol while chanting Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha.
9. 9Offer flowers (lotus is ideal), fruits, sweets, betel leaves, and kumkum to both deities.
10. 10Recite the Lakshmi Aarti with devotion — ring the bell or clap during the aarti.
11. 11Light additional diyas around the house, especially at the main entrance and in the kitchen.
12. 12Distribute the prasad among family members.

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