Lakshmi Puja at Home on Diwali: Samagri and Steps
Diwali evening is when most families welcome Lakshmi. You do not need a priest for a sincere home puja. Here is what to collect, how to set up, and what to do, in order.
When to do it
Lakshmi Puja is traditionally done on the evening of Diwali, after sunset, during the Pradosh period. Many families choose a time when the house is clean, everyone is home and the diyas are ready. The exact best time changes with your city, so check the panchang for your place and avoid Rahu Kaal.
Before you begin
- Clean the house and the puja corner a day earlier. Draw a small rangoli at the entrance.
- Bathe and wear fresh clothes. Many families wear something new or traditional.
- Collect everything first so you do not get up in the middle. The Lakshmi Puja guide has the full list with a picture of each item, and you can tick them off as you collect.
The main items
- A Lakshmi and Ganesh murti or picture, and a wooden chowki with a red or yellow cloth
- A kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut
- Roli, rice, turmeric, kalawa (moli), flowers and a garland
- Ghee diya, clay diyas, incense, camphor
- Sweets, fruits, betel leaf and a few coins
The steps in short
- Set the chowki, place the cloth and the murtis, and put the kalash beside them.
- Light the main diya and take a short sankalp: say your name, your family and what you are thankful for.
- Worship Ganesh first, with roli, rice and flowers, because every puja begins with him.
- Invite Lakshmi with the kalash and offer flowers, roli, sweets and fruit.
- Offer the coins and any books or tools you want blessed, such as your account book or work tools.
- Chant a simple mantra, such as "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah", 11 or 108 times.
- Do the aarti, offer prasad and light diyas around the house, at the door and at the window.
Keep it simple and sincere
Families do this a little differently depending on region. If your family or pandit has a different way, follow that. What matters most is a clean space, a calm mind and a thankful heart. Open the full Lakshmi Puja guide for every step, mantra and tip, in English and Hindi, and Ganesh Puja for the first worship.