The story
A home made ready
On the night of Diwali, every lamp and every clean corner is an invitation to Lakshmi, goddess of fortune. You need no priest to welcome her, only a clean house, a steady lamp and the right order of steps. This is the simple vidhi families have kept for generations.
The right time
Lakshmi Puja is performed in the pradosh kaal, the hour after sunset, ideally when a fixed (sthir) lagna such as Taurus is rising. In 2026 this falls on the evening of 8 November; a local panchang will give the exact muhurat for your city.
Setting the altar
Lay a red cloth on a raised platform and place Lakshmi with Ganesha on her left, for Ganesha is worshipped first in every puja. Set a kalash of water crowned with mango leaves and a coconut, and keep your puja samagri within reach.
The worship
Light a ghee lamp meant to burn through the night, take a quiet sankalp, and honour Ganesha first with flowers, rice and a sweet. Then bathe and adorn Lakshmi, offering vermilion, flowers, incense, a lamp and naivedya of sweets and fruit. Place coins, jewellery or the new account books before her and ask her blessing.
Aarti and prasad
Recite the Shri Suktam or a Lakshmi mantra, sing the Lakshmi aarti and Jai Ganesh Deva, then rotate the lamp before the deities as the whole family joins in. Share the prasad, and light diyas at every door and window so the welcome reaches the street.
Meaning and lessons
The puja is less a transaction than a welcome. A home swept clean and lit with care is already a prayer; the steps only give the heart a form to move through.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat in 2026?
Can I do Lakshmi Puja without a pandit?
Who is worshipped first, Lakshmi or Ganesha?
Which lamp should burn all night?
Sources
- Skanda Purana and Padma Purana (Kartika Mahatmya)
- Popular Lakshmi Puja tradition and practice
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