How to Do Lakshmi Puja at Home This Diwali - Step-by-Step for Every Indian Family (2026)

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night is the most important puja of the year for many Indian families. It is performed at dusk on the darkest night of the lunar month - the moment when Goddess Lakshmi is said to visit every home made ready for her. You do not need a pandit. You need a clean space, a sincere heart, and this guide.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat - Diwali 2026

Setting Up the Puja Altar

• Place a wooden chowki (platform) in the puja space, facing east
• Cover with a fresh red or yellow cloth
• Place the Lakshmi idol or image on the right side, Ganesha on the left - Ganesha is always invoked first
• Draw a swastika and lotus with kumkum on the platform, or place a small rangoli mat
• Arrange flowers and marigold garlands around the idols
• Place the copper kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and coconut on the altar
• Arrange all puja items on a side tray in order of use

Lakshmi Puja - Step by Step

Step 1: Sankalpa - Intention Setting

Sit facing the altar, close your eyes for one minute. State your intention sincerely: 'Today, on this auspicious Diwali night, I invite Goddess Lakshmi into my home, into my heart, and into every aspect of my family's life.'

Step 2: Invoke Ganesha First

Chant 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah' - 21 times. Offer a flower to Ganesha. He is always worshipped before Lakshmi in every puja - he removes obstacles and ensures the puja is received.

Step 3: Invoke Goddess Lakshmi

Chant 'Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah' - 108 times, or as many as feels right. Light the diya and ring the bell.

Step 4: Panchamrit Abhishek

Gently pour over the Lakshmi idol in sequence - Milk (purity), Curd (prosperity), Honey (sweetness in life), Ghee (strength and health), Sugar (joy and celebration). Then rinse with plain water and pat dry gently with a clean cloth.

Step 5: The 16 Ritual Offerings (Shodashopachara)

Step 6: Lakshmi Aarti

Step 7: Lakshmi Chalisa or Shri Sukta

Shri Sukta from the Rigveda is the most powerful invocation of Goddess Lakshmi - 16 verses taking approximately 12 minutes to recite. A printed version or recording is available easily online. Recite together or play while sitting in devotion.

Step 8: Chopda Puja - For Business Families

Business owners perform Chopda Puja on Diwali night - the worship of new account books marking the new financial year. Place the new ledger on the altar, write 'Shubh Labh' on the first page, and offer it to Lakshmi for her blessing.

Step 9: Light Every Diya in the Home

After puja, light every diya placed throughout the home - entrance to every windowsill, balcony, and stair. This is the moment of Diwali: the darkest night of the year lit by hundreds of small flames. Stand with your family and take it in.

Tip: Draw small kumkum footprints from your door to the puja space - representing Lakshmi walking into your home. Children find this magical and it keeps them engaged in the setup for much longer than you expect.

Who performs Lakshmi Puja in your home? Tell us your family tradition!

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