Thu Oct 31 09:08:36 UTC 2024: ## Diwali 2024: Welcoming Prosperity and Light
As Diwali approaches, devotees across the globe are preparing to celebrate the festival of lights with traditional rituals and festivities. The day begins with a purifying bath, symbolizing a fresh start and readiness for the sacred rituals. Homes are meticulously cleaned, especially the puja room, to welcome positive energies and blessings from Goddess Laxmi.
Festive decorations like rangoli, flowers, and lights create a warm and inviting space for the Goddess. Devotees adorn themselves in clean, new clothes and gather necessary puja items, ensuring everything is prepared for the ritual.
Many observe a fast, dedicating the day to prayer, reflection, and devotion to Goddess Laxmi. Sattvik food, prepared with purity and devotion, is offered as bhog prasad. Idols of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha, alongside an image or idol of Ram Darbar, are placed on a wooden plank during the auspicious Shubh Muhurat.
The ritual involves lighting 21 earthen lamps and offering lotus flowers, meetha paan, supari, elaichi, laung, and traditional sweets to invite divine blessings. Haldi and kumkum tilak are applied to the idols, followed by chanting the Laxmi Mantra 108 times for spiritual purification and devotion.
Devotees also present money, gold or silver coins, and jewelry to Goddess Laxmi, praying for wealth and prosperity. The ritual concludes with chanting the Laxmi Mata and Lord Ganesha Aartis, filling the home with auspicious sounds and blessings.
The 21 diyas are then distributed across the kitchen, rooms, entrance, and balcony, symbolizing protection and illumination. As Diwali approaches, let the spirit of the festival fill your home with wealth, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Diwali 2024!
First Piper 