8 नवंबर
Diwali
The Festival of Lights — the triumph of light over darkness
See all Ganesh content →History
Diwali falls on Amavasya (the new-moon night) of the Kartik month. Tradition holds that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, and the people of Ayodhya lit rows of oil lamps to welcome him home — giving the festival its name, "a row of lamps." Some traditions also connect it to Lord Vishnu's defeat of the demon Narakasura, and to Goddess Lakshmi's emergence during the churning of the cosmic ocean. The five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj.
Significance
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and truth over falsehood. Homes are decorated with lamps and rangoli, and Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped to invite prosperity, wisdom, and well-being into the year ahead.
Puja Vidhi
After cleaning and decorating the home, set up an image or idol of Lakshmi-Ganesh in the evening during the auspicious muhurat. Offer a lamp, kumkum, rice, flowers, and sweets. Chant "Om Mahalakshmyai Namah" while performing the aarti. Light lamps in every corner of the home so no darkness remains.
Mantra
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीभ्यो नमः॥
Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhyo Namah॥
This is a Lakshmi bija mantra, chanted to invoke prosperity, abundance, and good fortune.
Muhurat
Pradosh Kaal (just after sunset) during a Sthira Lagna is generally considered best for Lakshmi Puja. The exact muhurat shifts each year with the tithi and nakshatra — check our Panchang page for that year's precise timing.
Check today's Panchang →Do's & Don'ts
✅ Do
- • Light lamps at the main entrance and every room
- • Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh puja during a Sthira Lagna
- • Keep account books/cash box in the north direction for puja
- • Clean thoroughly and decorate with rangoli
❌ Don't
- • Avoid wearing black clothing during the puja
- • Don't leave any corner of the house dark
- • Avoid meat and alcohol before the puja
- • Don't ignore safety precautions while bursting firecrackers