Diwali 2023: Pujan Vidhi, Pujan Timing, All the details you need to know

Deepawali, also known as Diwali, the grandest Hindu festival, approaches swiftly, prompting extensive preparations. Falling on the 15th day of the Kartik month, it coincides with the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar. Across India, people will celebrate the festival of lights with fervor and grandeur on Sunday, November 12 this year. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It commemorates the return of Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and his brother Lakshman to Ayodhya following their 14-year exile and their conquest over Ravana, the ruler of Lanka.

Pujan Vidhi

The Diwali Puja (or Diwali Pujan) is a significant ritual performed during the Diwali festival. It involves various steps and rituals to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities. The process may vary among different regions and families, but here is a general overview of the essential Diwali Puja Vidhi:

1. Preparation: Cleanse the house thoroughly. Decorate the house with rangoli (colorful designs made on the floor), diyas (oil lamps), and flowers.
2. Items Required: Gather essential items for the puja, including idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera, and Saraswati (if worshipped), a platform or altar, incense sticks, camphor, fresh flowers, sweets, fruits, grains, coins, a Kalash (sacred pot), a red cloth, rice, turmeric, kumkum, and a puja thali (plate).
3. Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja:
   • Begin by placing the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the altar.
   • Perform Aarti and offer incense, camphor, and flowers while reciting mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
   • Offer sweets, fruits, and coins to the deities.
4. Kubera Puja: When worshipping Lord Kubera for wealth, devotees place his idol or image on the right side of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
5. Saraswati Puja (Optional): If performing Saraswati Puja, her idol or image is placed on the left side of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
6. Lighting Diyas: Light diyas and place them around the house, especially in the Puja area and outside entrances.
7. Aarti and Mantras: Recite Aarti and mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities worshipped.
8. Prasad Distribution: After the Puja, distribute prasad (sacred offerings) to family members and guests.
9. Celebration: After performing the Puja, people celebrate the festival by feasting, exchanging gifts, and enjoying fireworks and lights.

It’s important to perform the Diwali Puja with devotion and purity of heart. Mantras, prayers, and rituals can vary based on family traditions and regional practices. Believers consider that observing the Diwali Puja with sincerity brings blessings of wealth, prosperity, happiness, and well-being to the household.