New Delhi: Diwali is celebrated with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, who is traditionally worshipped for wealth, happiness and prosperity. Before the evening puja, families clean their homes, decorate the prayer area, arrange flowers and sweets, and light diyas. Coins and other valuables are also commonly placed near the idols as part of the traditional rituals.
While preparing for Lakshmi Puja, devotees follow several customs to make the worship organised and auspicious. Knowing what to do and what to avoid can help families prepare for Diwali 2026 without missing important rituals.
Lakshmi Puja Dos: Things to Do on Diwali
1. Clean the home and prayer area
Clean the house, especially the entrance and puja room, before starting the rituals. Place the idols on a clean platform or chowki covered with a red or yellow cloth.
2. Follow the correct Lakshmi Puja muhurat
Check the local Panchang for the appropriate evening puja timings. Pradosh Kaal is traditionally regarded as an auspicious period for Lakshmi Puja. Since timings can differ by location, refer to the muhurat for your own city.
3. Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha first
Begin the traditional Lakshmi-Ganesha worship by praying to Lord Ganesha. After seeking his blessings, perform the puja of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being.
4. Keep fresh flowers and offerings ready
Arrange all the required puja materials beforehand. Fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, kumkum, rice and incense are among the commonly used offerings. Lotus and marigold flowers are especially popular during Lakshmi Puja.
5. Place coins and valuables near the idols
Many households keep coins, jewellery, currency notes or business account books near the deities during the puja. This is a traditional practice associated with prayers for financial security and prosperity.
6. Wear clean clothes
Take a bath and wear clean clothes before beginning the worship. Traditional festive outfits in colours such as red, yellow, pink and white are commonly preferred by many families.
7. Decorate and illuminate the entrance
Keep the main entrance clean and decorate it with flowers, rangoli and diyas. Some families also make Lakshmi footprints facing towards the inside of the house as a symbolic welcome to the Goddess.
8. Complete the puja with aarti
After the rituals, perform Lakshmi-Ganesha aarti. Distribute the offered fruits and sweets as prasad among family members.
Lakshmi Puja Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid
1. Avoid broken or damaged idols
Inspect the idols before placing them in the puja area. Avoid using visibly broken or damaged murtis for worship. Follow your family tradition when deciding how to handle an existing damaged idol.
2. Do not use stale flowers or spoiled offerings
Always keep the offerings fresh. Avoid wilted flowers, rotten fruits or sweets that are no longer suitable for consumption.
3. Keep footwear and rubbish away from the altar
Do not leave shoes, dustbins or discarded decorative materials near the prayer area or main entrance. Maintain cleanliness around the place of worship.
4. Never leave burning diyas unattended
Place diyas on stable surfaces and keep them away from curtains, paper decorations and other materials that can catch fire. Keep open flames out of children’s reach and never leave them unattended.
5. Do not hurry through the rituals
Prepare the puja items in advance so that you have enough time for prayers and aarti. Avoid unnecessary interruptions and perform the rituals calmly.
6. Maintain peace and harmony at home
Traditional Hindu customs place importance on a peaceful atmosphere during Diwali. Avoid arguments, harsh words and disrespectful behaviour during the puja.
7. Do not consider expensive offerings compulsory
There is no requirement to spend beyond your budget on gold, silver or costly puja materials. Simple offerings made with devotion are also appropriate.
8. Do not leave prasad uncovered
After the worship, distribute the prasad among family members. Store any remaining food properly and hygienically instead of leaving it exposed overnight.
Important Things to Remember for Diwali 2026
For Lakshmi Puja this Diwali, prepare a clean worship area, arrange fresh offerings and check the muhurat according to your city’s Panchang. Traditionally, prayers to Lord Ganesha are performed before worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.
Avoid damaged puja items, spoiled offerings and unsafe placement of burning diyas. Above all, follow your family’s customs and carry out the rituals with sincerity and devotion.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about traditional Hindu customs and practices associated with Diwali Lakshmi Puja. Rituals and beliefs may differ across families and regions. Readers should follow their own religious traditions and consult their local Panchang for city-specific puja timings.