Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most auspicious and eagerly awaited festivals for Hindus worldwide. It's a time when families come together, homes are adorned with lamps and candles, and an atmosphere of joy and spirituality permeates the air. At the heart of Diwali celebrations lies the Diwali Puja, a sacred ritual that holds immense significance in the Hindu culture. In this article, we delve into the importance of Diwali Puja, its rituals, and the profound impact it has on people's lives.

Diwali Puja, performed at the right Muhurat or auspicious time, has the power to fill one's life with prosperity and happiness. It is a day that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the end of malevolence. Diwali Puja has the unique ability to awaken an individual's consciousness, making them feel ageless, timeless, and connected to a higher reality. This sacred ritual not only invokes the blessings of Goddess Laxmi but also commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.

The preparations for Diwali Puja commence with a thorough cleaning of the entire house. This act symbolizes the welcoming of Goddess Laxmi into one's home. During the Puja, three forms of Shakti, including Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Laxmi, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesha, are worshipped with reverence. Gold and money are placed on the Puja altar, signifying their importance in one's life. The centrepiece of Diwali Puja is the Laxmi Puja, traditionally performed in the evening or at night to ensure the best results.

The Diwali Puja begins with the arrangement of a clean cloth, upon which a bed of rice is carefully laid out. A Kalash pot filled with water, betel nut, flowers, coins, and rice is placed atop the rice bed. Mango leaves are artfully arranged around the Kalash, and idols of deities are positioned on a plate. Coins are scattered on the thali, and a purification ritual is performed by sprinkling water on the Puja items. The lamp is lit, and mantras are chanted with the offering of flowers and rice.

Diwali, often referred to as the "Festival of Lights," holds a special place in the hearts of individuals. It marks the historic return of Lord Rama after his 14 years of exile. Lighting lamps during Diwali symbolize the eradication of negative emotions such as anger, violence, greed, fear, and injustice through the power of knowledge and enlightenment.

In 2023, the Diwali festival of lights will be celebrated from Friday, 10th November 2023, to Tuesday, 14th November 2023.
In 2024, Diwali Puja will be observed from Tuesday, 29th October 2024, to Sunday, 3rd November 2024.

Performing the sacred Diwali Puja yields a multitude of benefits. It helps in maintaining peace, ensuring good health, and attracting wealth and prosperity into one's life. Diwali Puja is not merely a religious ritual; it is a profound spiritual practice that ushers in positive energies and blessings.

"Om hrim shrim klim mahalakshmi, mahasaraswati mamgruhe aagach-aagach hrim namah"

"Om ain hreen kleen chaamunnddaayai vichche Om."

"Om Shree mahaalachmyai ch vidamahe visshnnu pat’n’yai ch dheemahi tan’no lachhmee prachodayaat Om."

In conclusion, Diwali Puja is a cherished tradition that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time to come together as families and communities, to seek the blessings of the divine, and to renew our commitment to living a life filled with goodness and prosperity.