Wed Oct 30 11:59:36 UTC 2024: ## Lakshmi Puja: Guide to Celebrate the Festival of Wealth and Prosperity
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor. The five-day event is marked by illumination, feasts, and fireworks. Among these days, Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, holds paramount importance.
This year, Lakshmi Puja is observed on **October 31st** or **November 1st**, depending on the location. The exact date varies based on the timing of the Amavasya (new moon).
**How to perform Lakshmi Puja:**
Pundit Uday Morone provides a detailed guide on conducting the Lakshmi Puja:
**At Home:**
* Set up a ‘chaurang’ (a square platform) covered with red cloth.
* Place a kalash (pot) filled with rice on the chaurang.
* Position a plate on the kalash and place the Lakshmi idol or picture on it.
* Offer incense (dhoop) and a coconut to the idol.
* Perform Ganesh Puja before Lakshmi Puja.
* Conclude with an aarti (a devotional song).
**At Business Establishments:**
* Clean and decorate the shop/office with flowers, garlands, flags, and banana leaves.
* Invite clients and business associates to participate in the celebrations.
* Prepare accounting books, bouquets, and other materials related to the business.
* Mark the books with auspicious symbols using red sandalwood paste and ink.
* Light a lamp filled with sesame oil.
* Arrange two brass or silver kalash, panchapatra (a five-piece offering), incense, flowers, turmeric-cummin powder, and other offerings.
* Light incense sticks, lamps, and candles.
* Offer sweets and other delicacies as Prasad.
* The owner should perform the Puja after cleaning and purifying himself.
**Significance of Lakshmi Puja:**
Lakshmi Puja celebrates the legend of Lakshmi’s release from Bali’s captivity. It’s believed that worshipping Lakshmi on this day brings prosperity and fortune to households and businesses.
**Note:** The exact date of Lakshmi Puja might vary based on local calendars and lunar cycles.
First Piper 