How and When to Celebrate Diwali in 2026: Puja Vidhi & Muhurat Guide

Published: 10/27/2026

Important dates and time to celebrate Diwali 2026 are

Amavasya Tithi Begins - June 31, 2026 at 03:52 PM
Amavasya Tithi Ends - May 01, 2026 at 06:16 PM
Pradosh Kaal - From 05:12 P.M. 07:43 PM
Laxmi Puja Muhurat - From 05:12 P.M. 06:16 PM
Vrishabha Muhurat - From 06:00 P.M. 07:59 PM

Complete Guide to Diwali Puja: Cleanliness, Preparation, and Mantras for Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha

Diwali, one of the most auspicious Sanatan festivals, is celebrated with grand rituals to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha into homes. Performing the Diwali puja ritual not only brings blessings of prosperity and wisdom but also spreads positivity.

Cleanliness and Purification Ritual for Diwali Puja

Starting the Diwali puja ritual begins with thorough cleanliness and purification of the space. Start by waking up early, cleaning the home, and especially the area where the Ganesh Laxmi Puja will take place. Sprinkle Gangajal around the space to purify it. According to Sanatan tradition, cleanliness not only drives away negativity but is also appreciated by Goddess Lakshmi, who is known to bless only those homes that are kept clean.

Honoring the Broom

In Sanatan culture, the broom is a respected symbol and is often associated with Maa Lakshmi herself. On Diwali, the broom is revered, often decorated with Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum (vermilion), and treated as a sacred object. Avoid touching the broom with your feet, as it's considered disrespectful to Maa Lakshmi.

Self-Purification (Atma Shodhan) Before Puja

After cleaning, take a bath before sunrise to complete the self-purification process. Known as the Atma Shodhan, this auspicious bath purifies not only the body but also the mind, preparing one's soul to focus on performing the Ganesh Lakshmi Puja with dedication. Making a vow, or Sankalpana, to perform the ritual sincerely is a crucial step in the purification process.

Worshiping the Five Deities on Diwali

The Diwali puja ritual traditionally involves honoring five key deities:

Lord Ganesha - Known as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), worshiping him first ensures a smooth path forward.
Lord Kubera - As the treasurer of the gods, Kubera's blessings bring wealth and fortune.
Maa Saraswati - The goddess of knowledge and music, her blessings enhance learning and skills.
Mahalakshmi - The main deity of wealth, worshiping Mahalakshmi brings happiness, courage, and financial abundance.
Mahakali - With complete devotion, Mahakali is worshiped to help achieve one's dreams and aspirations.

Installing the Puja Chowki and Idol Placement

Set up a chowki (altar) covered with a red cloth, as red symbolizes purity and power in Sanatan culture.
Place the idol of Goddess Lakshmi on the chowki, with Lord Ganesha on her left side as her adopted son.

Preparing and Placing the Kalash

To start, place a heap of rice grains at the center of the chowki as a base or Asana for the Kalash. Decorate the Kalash with Haldi-Kumkum, then fill it with water, supari, coins, marigold, and a pinch of Haldi-Kumkum. Cover it with mango leaves and place a coconut on top, symbolizing the abundance and fertility desired from the Diwali puja.

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Diwali pooja

Invoking the Deities with Puja Vidhi

Commence the Ganesh Lakshmi Puja by worshiping Lord Ganesha, followed by Goddess Lakshmi, Kali, Lord Kubera, and Lord Vishnu at the auspicious muhurta. Offer precious items like gold, books, and other symbols of wealth to represent Maa Lakshmi and Lord Kubera.

|| Shri Ganesh Aarti ||॥ श्री गणेशजी की आरती ॥
जय गणेश, जय गणेश,जय गणेश देवा।
माता जाकी पार्वती,पिता महादेवा॥ x2
एकदन्त दयावन्त,चार भुजाधारी।
माथे पर तिलक सोहे,मूसे की सवारी॥ x2
(माथे पर सिन्दूर सोहे,मूसे की सवारी॥)
पान चढ़े फूल चढ़े,और चढ़े मेवा।
(हार चढ़े, फूल चढ़े,और चढ़े मेवा।)
लड्डुअन का भोग लगे,सन्त करें सेवा॥ x2
जय गणेश, जय गणेश,जय गणेश देवा।
माता जाकी पार्वती,पिता महादेवा॥ x2
अँधे को आँख देत,कोढ़िन को काया।
बाँझन को पुत्र देत,निर्धन को माया॥ x2
'सूर' श्याम शरण आए,सफल कीजे सेवा।
माता जाकी पार्वती,पिता महादेवा॥ x2
(दीनन की लाज राखो,शम्भु सुतवारी।
कामना को पूर्ण करो,जग बलिहारी॥ x2)
जय गणेश, जय गणेश,जय गणेश देवा।
माता जाकी पार्वती,पिता महादेवा॥ x2

|| Shri Laxmi Mata Aarti ||ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता, मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता।
तुमको निशिदिन सेवत, हरि विष्णु विधाता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
उमा, रमा, ब्रह्माणी, तुम ही जग-माता।
सूर्य-चन्द्रमा ध्यावत, नारद ऋषि गाता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
दुर्गा रुप निरंजनी, सुख सम्पत्ति दाता।
जो कोई तुमको ध्यावत, ऋद्धि-सिद्धि धन पाता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
तुम पाताल-निवासिनि, तुम ही शुभदाता।
कर्म-प्रभाव-प्रकाशिनी, भवनिधि की त्राता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
जिस घर में तुम रहतीं, सब सद्गुण आता।
सब सम्भव हो जाता, मन नहीं घबराता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
तुम बिन यज्ञ न होते, वस्त्र न कोई पाता।
खान-पान का वैभव, सब तुमसे आता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
शुभ-गुण मन्दिर सुन्दर, क्षीरोदधि-जाता।
रत्न चतुर्दश तुम बिन, कोई नहीं पाता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
महालक्ष्मीजी की आरती, जो कोई जन गाता।
उर आनन्द समाता, पाप उतर जाता॥

ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥

Goddess Laxmi

Offering Traditional Puja Rituals

Follow these steps during the Diwali Puja Vidhi:

Padya: Offer a drop of water to the Lord
Arghya: Pour water as an offering to the deity.
Achaman: Sip the water from your palm.
Snana: Bathe the metal idols in water.
Panchamrut: Offer ghee, milk, honey, sugar, and curd.
Vastra: Present a clean piece of cloth as new clothing for the deities.
Yagnopaveeth: Offer Janeyu (sacred thread) and Akshat rice to Lord Ganesha.
Dhoop: Light incense sticks as an offering.

Complete the puja by offering flowers, fruits, and sweets and reciting mantras and Aarti. Distribute Prasadam among devotees after the ritual as a blessed offering.

Diwali Puja Mantras to Recite

Lakshmi Beej Mantra: "Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah."
Mahalakshmi Mantra: "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah."
Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra: "Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om."

Chanting these mantras creates a peaceful atmosphere and attracts divine blessings for health, joy, and prosperity.

Conclusion

This Diwali Puja guide offers a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare and perform the traditional worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. From purifying the surroundings to lighting diyas and chanting powerful mantras, following these rituals with devotion will bless you and your family with happiness, wealth, and well-being. Embrace the sacred traditions of Diwali and welcome the blessings of prosperity and peace into your home.