Lakshmi Puja 2026

Deepavali Lakshmi Puja: Welcoming the Goddess of Prosperity

Lakshmi Puja is performed on Ashwayuja Amavasya, the evening of Deepavali, during pradosha kalam. On this dark new-moon night every home lights lamps to welcome Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is believed to visit homes that are clean, bright and full of devotion.

Puranic Background

The puja recalls the moment Mahalakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk and chose Lord Vishnu as her consort. Other traditions say people lit lamps to welcome Sri Rama back to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, and that the world celebrated with lights after the end of Narakasura. In North India, traders open new account books with Lakshmi Puja on this day. In the Telugu states, some families also observe the Kedareswara Vratham (Kedara Gowri Vratham) on Deepavali.

Puja Vidhanam

• Clean the house before the festival, tie mango-leaf toranams at the door and draw muggulu at the entrance.
• In the evening, bathe, spread a red cloth on a peeta and place pictures or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.
• Set up a kalasham, worship Vighneshwara first, then worship Lakshmi with pasupu, kumkuma, lotus and red flowers.
• Place gold or silver coins, jewellery and account books before the Goddess for blessing.
• Recite Lakshmi Ashtottaram, Sri Suktam or Kanakadhara Stotram.
• Offer bobbatlu, payasam, pulihora, laddus and fruits as naivedyam and perform harathi.
• After the puja, light sesame-oil lamps in every corner of the house and at the doorways.

Do's and Don'ts

Keep the whole house lit through the evening; some families keep the main door open for the Goddess. Avoid quarrels and harsh words at home. After the puja, families seek the elders' blessings and enjoy crackers with the children, taking care of pets and elderly members.

Significance

Lakshmi is not only wealth; health, courage, knowledge, children and food grains are all her forms. The puja reminds us that she stays where there is cleanliness, good conduct and gratitude.

May Mahalakshmi's grace fill your home with prosperity and light.