Diwali Puja: A Celebration of Light and Prosperity
Samagri
for Puja:
Haldi [organic] (20gm), Kumkum [organic] (20gm), Tulsi Mala (1), Diya Batti (5), Beetle Nuts (5), Desi Ghee (20ml), Honey (20ml), Jaggery (Gudh) (20gm), Akshata [Yellow rice] (20gm), Yagno-paveetha (5), Karpoora [camphor] (5Tabs), Red/White/Yellow Cloth(1 mtr), Prasad [Laung, Elaichi, Mishri] (20gm), Mouli (25mtr), Ganga Jal (15ml), Durva [fresh] (1), Agarbatti (6)/Dhoop (2), Dakshina (100INR), God Idols (pair), Sambrani (2), Sambrani Holder (1), Kalash [small copper] (1), Panchpatra [small copper] (1), Diya Holder (2), Panchamrit spoon (1), Karpoora Holder(1), includes perishables [Beetle Leaves [fresh] (9), Flowers [fresh] (incl mala), Tulsi [fresh], Mango Leaves [fresh] (7)]
Small Havan:
Cow Dung Cake (2), Mango Wood (250gm), HavanSamagri [20+ Grganic Herbs] (100gm), Ghee (20ml)
Yajman to provide:
Curd (100gm), Milk (100ml), Mithai (250gm), Fruits [5types], Coconut (1), HavanKund, SuchiSarva (Havan Spoon) (1), Kalash [big] (1), Bowl [preferably copper/silver] (1), Spoon [preferably copper/silver] (1), Utensils [2 big Plates (for Aarti/Samagri), disposable Plates, Bowls & Spoons], First solid food (preferably Kheer or Payasam)
Importance and Significance of Diwali Puja
The Diwali Puja holds profound significance as it embodies the essence of renewal, hope, and the pursuit of prosperity. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year and to seek divine favor for the future. This puja not only enhances spiritual growth but also strengthens familial bonds as families come together to celebrate and share joy.
Benefits of Diwali Puja
- Invoking Wealth and Prosperity: The puja attracts blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for financial stability and abundance.
- Removing Obstacles: Praying to Lord Ganesha helps in overcoming challenges and ensures a smooth path ahead in various endeavors.
- Promoting Harmony: The rituals foster an environment of peace and unity within the family and the community.
- Spiritual Growth: Participating in the puja enhances one’s spiritual connection and encourages reflection on life’s values.
Occasions to Perform Diwali Puja
Diwali Puja is primarily performed on the night of the new moon in the month of Kartik. Families often celebrate over a period of five days, with each day dedicated to different rituals and deities. The main puja is conducted on the third day, known as Lakshmi Puja, when devotees welcome the goddess into their homes.
Diwali Puja Vidhi (Procedure)
- Preparation: Clean and decorate the home, ensuring it is welcoming for the deities. Families often adorn their homes with diyas, rangoli, and flowers.
- Setup: Create a sacred altar with idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Include offerings such as fruits, sweets, and flowers, as well as items like coins and gold or silver jewelry.
- Invocation: Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles. Follow with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being.
- Offering Prayers: Recite mantras and offer heartfelt prayers, expressing gratitude for the blessings of the past year and seeking continued support.
- Puja Rituals: Perform aarti (a ceremonial light offering), offer sweets and other items to the deities, and light diyas around the home to signify the triumph of light over darkness.
- Blessings: Seek blessings from family members and elders present, sharing good wishes for health and prosperity in the coming year.
- Celebration: Conclude the puja with a festive meal, exchanging sweets and gifts among family and friends, and enjoying the joyous atmosphere of Diwali.
Diwali Shubh Muhurat
The Shubh Muhurat for Diwali Puja is typically determined based on astrological considerations, often falling in the evening hours when the puja is believed to yield maximum blessings.
By celebrating Diwali Puja, families honour the divine presence in their lives, inviting light, prosperity, and happiness into their homes. This festival is not just a celebration of material wealth, but a reminder of the deeper values of love, unity, and spiritual growth that illuminate our lives.
