Diwali, the festival of lights that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, is celebrated across India and takes place on October 31 this year. On the central day of the five-day celebration, families celebrate Lakshmi Puja to honor the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This main event follows Dhanteras and precedes Bhai Dooj, with each day containing its own rituals.

Diwali 2024 Lakshmi Puja Timings in Major Cities

This year, both Choti Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on October 31st. For those observing Lakshmi Puja, the auspicious muhurat varies depending on the city:

New Delhi: 5:36 p.m. to 6:16 p.m
Mumbai: 6:57 p.m. to 8:36 p.m
Bengaluru: 6:47 pm to 8:21 pm
Ahmedabad: 6:52 p.m. to 8:35 p.m
Chennai: 5:42 p.m. to 6:16 p.m
Jaipur: 5:44 p.m. to 6:16 p.m
Gurgaon: 5:37 p.m. to 6:16 p.m
Chandigarh: 5:35 pm to 6:16 pm
Kolkata: 5:45 p.m. to 6:16 p.m
Noida: 5:35 p.m. to 6:16 p.m

Also Read: Diwali 2024 Wishes Images for Your Loved OnesThe Pradosh Kaal period for observing Diwali rituals is from 5:36 p.m. to 8:11 p.m., the Vrishabha Kaal is from 6:20 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Specifically, in New Delhi, the auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is from 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm.

How to perform Diwali Laxmi Puja

Laxmi Puja, a key ritual in the Hindu tradition, is an integral part of the Diwali festival. Scheduled for Diwali evening in 2024, Laxmi Puja aims at spiritual cleansing by illuminating houses and performing various rituals to invite positive energy.

The Puja Vidhi, or method of worship, involves several steps. Devotees begin by taking a holy bath and purifying their houses, paying special attention to the puja room. The houses are decorated with rangoli, flowers and lights. Participants wear new clothes and collect necessary items for the puja. Some observers also fast on this day.

The ritual involves preparing Sattvic food for Bhog Prasad. During the auspicious period, a wooden board is used to place idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Laxmi and Ram Darbar. Twenty-one earthen lamps are lit as part of the worship of Goddess Laxmi. Offerings include 11 lotus flowers, meetha paan, supari, elaichi, laung, assorted sweets, rice kheer, batasha and kheel.

Devotees mark the idols with haldi and kumkum and then recite the Laxmi mantra 108 times to invoke the deity. Offerings of money, gold and silver continue the service, accompanied by prayers for wealth and good fortune. The rituals end with chanting of Laxmi Mata Aarti and Lord Ganesha Aarti. The believers then distribute the 21 earthen lamps in their homes.

By following these steps, participants strive to receive blessings of prosperity and good fortune from Goddess Laxmi.

Diwali Meaning and Celebrations

Every year, Diwali brings families and communities together across India and reinforces the cultural values ​​of prosperity, peace and gratitude. As people prepare for the festival, these customs play an important role as the celebration of Lakshmi Puja brings families together in the hope of blessings and happiness for the coming year.