Lakshmi Puja asks for a clean altar, the right items, the right hour and the right sequence. A pandit leads the vidhi so you can focus on setting the thali and being with the family.
Why it is done
Lakshmi Puja is a traditional pooja to Lakshmi, observed on Diwali, on Fridays, at the start of a new business or home, or on other days families hold sacred. It usually includes Ganesh pooja, kalash sthapana, the main pooja and aarti. Customs vary by region and family.
Who it is for
Families observing Diwali or another Lakshmi festival; people starting a new home, shop or business; households who keep a regular Lakshmi pooja; first-time hosts.
When to do it
Many families choose a muhurat from the panchang, often in the evening on Diwali, or a Friday or festival date. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options for your date and city. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony; about 2 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Lakshmi Puja works well if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the diya or havan easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony led by one pandit: Ganesh pooja, kalash sthapana, sankalp, the main Lakshmi pooja, aarti and prasad. A good fit for a small household. The step count for this tier is to be confirmed with the pandit.
- Extended: The extended ceremony with 21 steps, also led by one pandit: the standard sequence with a fuller upachar pooja and more time at each stage. Suits a family that follows the fuller vidhi or hosts guests.
If you want the essential pooja, start with the standard. If elders expect the fuller vidhi or many guests will join, the extended gives more time.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. If you are doing it for Diwali, the Vedic Rituals Diwali Lakshmi-Ganesh Kit packs the essentials in ritual order.
The sequence
- Purification and lamp lighting to begin
- Ganesh pooja
- Sankalp with your family's details
- Kalash sthapana
- Invocation of Lakshmi and main pooja with offerings
- Pooja of other household deities, as your family's custom includes
- Aarti and pushpanjali
- Prasad and closing prayers
How to prepare
- Clean the pooja space and keep the entrance clear the day before
- Keep the Lakshmi idol or picture, kalash, flowers, fruits and sweets
- Choose a clean, level surface for the altar
- Keep diyas ready and a safe spot for them
- Decide in advance whether you will use pandit-supplied samagri or arrange items yourself
- Let the family know the muhurat so they can join
Who should attend
The household members, with the head of the household traditionally sitting for the main rituals, but families decide this for themselves. Guests can join for the aarti and prasad.
Your tradition
Sequences differ across North Indian, Gujarati, Marwari, Bengali and South Indian households, including the deities included and the offerings. Tell us your tradition and language when booking so we can match a pandit who follows it.
Safety
Diyas involve an open flame. Keep them on a stable heat-safe surface, away from curtains, children and pets.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony and about 2 hours for the extended one, plus setup time.
Is Lakshmi Puja only for Diwali? No. Many families hold it on Fridays, at a new beginning or on other days. Your pandit can suggest a muhurat.
What do we need to arrange? With samagri the pandit brings the items; with your own samagri, the pandit shares a list.
What if our family follows a different sequence? Your family's sequence takes priority. Share it when you book.
Can we do it on video? Yes, usually. You arrange the samagri and the pandit leads on video.