Diwali Puja Vidhi at Home: Complete Guide to Lakshmi Puja
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is the most celebrated Hindu festival in India. At its heart is Diwali Lakshmi Puja — performed on Amavasya (new moon night) in the Kartik month to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, into homes and businesses. This complete Diwali Puja Vidhi guide covers every step — from decoration and samagri to Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, mantras, and the best flowers to use. Order fresh, vibrant Diwali puja flowers from Mumbai Florist Hub for the most auspicious celebration.
About Diwali
Diwali (Deepawali) is a five-day festival celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). It commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon Ravana. Homes are lit with diyas, decorated with rangoli, and Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is performed to invite prosperity.
Diwali Five-Day Festival Schedule
Day 1 – Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi): Worship of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. Buy new utensils, gold, or silver.
Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali): Victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
Day 3 – Diwali (Amavasya): Main Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja. Light all diyas.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: Worship of Lord Krishna who lifted the Govardhan mountain.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali Puja Samagri List
Flowers & Decoration:
• Marigold garlands and loose flowers (for decoration and puja)
• Lotus flowers (most important for Lakshmi Puja)
• Rose petals (red and pink)
• Jasmine strings (Mogra)
• Chrysanthemum flowers
• Ashoka and mango leaves for torana (entrance decoration)
• Banana bunches for entrance decor
Puja Items:
• Idols or photos of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
• Red cloth for the puja chowki
• Kalash with water, mango leaves, coconut
• Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
• Kumkum (vermilion)
• Haldi (turmeric)
• Sindoor
• Sandalwood paste
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Incense sticks (agarbatti)
• Camphor (kapoor)
• Ghee diyas (for puja and home decoration)
• Oil diyas (clay diyas for the home entrance and rooms)
• Betel leaves, betel nuts
• Coins and currency notes
• Lotus seeds (Makhana)
• Kheel (puffed rice) and Batasha (sugar candy)
• Sweets (kaju katli, barfi, kheer) for bhog
• New broom (for Diwali cleaning ritual)
• Rangoli colors and flowers for entrance
Step-by-Step Diwali Puja Vidhi
Step 1: Cleaning and Decoration (Before Puja)
Diwali begins with thorough cleaning of the entire home. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi only enters clean, well-lit homes. Decorate your home with:
• Marigold and mango leaf torana at the entrance
• Rangoli at the main door with flowers and colors
• Flower garlands along doorways
• Clay diyas at every entrance, staircase, and windowsill
Step 2: Dhanteras – Day 1
On Dhanteras, light a diya outside the house facing south (to honor Lord Yama). Perform Lakshmi Puja and buy gold, silver, or new utensils as symbols of wealth and prosperity.
Step 3: Set Up Puja Sthal (Day 3 – Diwali)
In the evening, set up the puja chowki with a red cloth. Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha in the center (Ganesha on the left, Lakshmi on the right). Set up the Kalash. Arrange all samagri.
Step 4: Sankalp
Sit facing east or north. Take water and flower petals in your right palm. State the sankalp — your intention to perform Diwali Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja for the prosperity and well-being of your family.
Step 5: Ganesh Puja
Always begin by worshipping Lord Ganesha. Offer kumkum, flowers, modak (sweet), and durva grass. Chant:
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)
Step 6: Lakshmi Puja (Shodashopachara)
1. Avahana – Invoke Goddess Lakshmi
2. Asana – Offer a seat
3. Padya – Offer water for her feet
4. Arghya – Offer water with flower petals
5. Achamana – Offer water for sipping
6. Snan – Bathe the idol with Panchamrit, then water
7. Vastra – Offer red cloth or saree
8. Gandha – Apply sandalwood paste
9. Pushpa – Offer lotus, marigold, rose petals, jasmine
10. Dhoop – Wave incense
11. Deepa – Light the ghee diya
12. Naivedya – Offer Kheel-Batasha, kheer, sweets
13. Tambula – Offer betel leaves and nut
14. Dakshina – Offer coins and currency
15. Aarti – Perform Lakshmi Aarti
16. Pradakshina – Circumambulate 3 times
Step 7: Chant Lakshmi Mantras
• Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah (108 times)
• Sri Suktam (Vedic hymn)
• Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
Step 8: Diwali Aarti
Sing Jai Lakshmi Mata or Om Jai Jagdish Hare with the family. Ring a bell and wave a ghee diya clockwise before both idols.
Step 9: Light All Diyas
After puja, light all the clay diyas in and around your home:
• Place diyas at the main entrance
• Along the boundary wall and rooftop
• In every room and on windowsills
• In the puja room throughout the night
Step 10: Distribute Prasad
Distribute kheel, batasha, and sweets as prasad to family members and neighbors.
Flowers for Diwali Puja
Diwali decorations and puja are incomplete without fresh flowers:
• Marigold (Genda) — the quintessential Diwali flower; used for garlands, torana, and rangoli
• Lotus (Kamal) — most sacred for Lakshmi Puja
• Jasmine (Mogra) — used in garlands and puja offerings
• Rose (Gulab) — petals used for puja and decoration
• Chrysanthemum — for hanging garlands and decorations
For the freshest, most vibrant Diwali flowers delivered to your home in Mumbai, order from Mumbai Florist Hub. We offer bulk marigold garlands, lotus, rose petals, and jasmine strings with same-day delivery.
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Diwali Decoration Ideas with Flowers
• Marigold flower rangoli at the entrance
• Marigold and rose petal pathway from gate to door
• Jasmine strings hung across doorways
• Flower-filled diyas (float petals in water diyas)
• Lotus flower centerpiece on the puja chowki
• Marigold garland torana with mango leaves
Muhurat for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
The most auspicious time for Diwali Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset) combined with Amavasya Tithi. This is called the Mahanishita Kaal in some traditions. Check your local panchang or pandit for the exact muhurat, as it varies by location each year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best time for Diwali Lakshmi Puja?
A: Pradosh Kaal (around sunset to 2 hours after) on Amavasya day is considered the most auspicious time for Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
Q: Can Diwali Puja be done without a pandit?
A: Yes, the complete Diwali Puja Vidhi can be performed at home by family members using this guide or a puja book.
Q: Which flowers are used for Diwali Puja and decoration?
A: Marigold, lotus, jasmine, rose petals, and chrysanthemum are the most commonly used Diwali flowers.
Q: Where can I get fresh Diwali flowers in Mumbai?
A: Mumbai Florist Hub delivers fresh marigold garlands, lotus, rose petals, jasmine, and more across Mumbai. Order at mumbaifloristhub.com for same-day Diwali delivery.
Q: How many diyas should be lit on Diwali?
A: There is no fixed number. Light as many as possible — traditionally, diyas are placed at every corner of the home, entrance, and boundary.
Q: What prasad is offered on Diwali?
A: Kheel (puffed rice), Batasha (sugar candy), dry fruits, kheer, and sweets like kaju katli are traditional Diwali prasad.
Conclusion
Diwali Puja is the grandest celebration of light, wealth, and divine blessings. By following this complete Diwali Puja Vidhi step by step, you can perform the Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja at home with full devotion and joy. Fresh flowers, bright diyas, and a clean, decorated home are the three pillars of a perfect Diwali celebration.
For fresh, vibrant Diwali flowers including marigold garlands, lotus, jasmine, and rose petals delivered across Mumbai, trust Mumbai Florist Hub. Visit mumbaifloristhub.com to place your Diwali flower order.
