Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has multiple rich mythological origins that vary by region, each equally profound and spiritually significant.
The Ramayana Story: The most widely celebrated story is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. Citizens lit oil lamps (diyas) throughout the city, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The Krishna–Narakasura Story: In South India, Diwali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi — the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 women imprisoned by him. The victory was celebrated with lights at dawn.
The Lakshmi Legend: According to the Puranas, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) on this day. She chose Lord Vishnu as her husband, and gods lit diyas to welcome her. Hence Lakshmi Puja is central to Diwali.
The Jain Tradition: Diwali marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira in 527 BCE. King Shrenik's court lit thousands of diyas saying "let there be light" — beginning the tradition.
❤️ Lakshmi Puja — We invite Goddess Lakshmi, deity of wealth and prosperity, into our cleaned and decorated homes.
🏠 New Year for Many — For traders and many communities, Diwali marks a new accounting year — a time to settle debts, start fresh, and count blessings.
It is also a time for family reunion, forgiveness, charity, and renewing bonds of love — reflecting the universal human spirit that transcends religion and region.
-
1Dhanteras (Day 1) — Worship of WealthBuy gold, silver, or new utensils. Perform Kuber Puja and Lakshmi Puja in the evening. Light diyas at the main door. Worship Yama with a south-facing lamp to ward off untimely death.
-
2Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (Day 2)Wake before sunrise. Apply oil (abhyanga snana). Light 14 diyas to remember ancestors. In South India, burst crackers before dawn to reenact Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
-
3Diwali — Main Day (Day 3) — Lakshmi PujaClean and decorate house with rangoli and flowers. Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja at sunset (Pradosh Kaal). Light diyas throughout the home. Burst firecrackers. Exchange sweets and gifts.
-
4Govardhan Puja / Padwa (Day 4)Celebrate Krishna lifting Govardhan hill. Wives give gifts to husbands. In Gujarat, this is the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat).
-
5Bhai Dooj (Day 5) — Brother-Sister BondSisters perform tilak ceremony on brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life. Brothers give gifts to sisters — similar to Raksha Bandhan in spirit.
The main puja on Diwali evening is Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, performed during Pradosh Kaal (approximately 1.5 hours after sunset).
- 1Preparation (Puja Sthal Shuddhi)Spread red or yellow cloth. Place Lakshmi idol on the right, Ganesha on the left. Place a kalash (copper pot with water, mango leaves and coconut) in the center.
- 2Sankalp (Intention Setting)Hold flowers and rice in your palms. State your name, gotra, and take sankalp to perform the puja with devotion for family's prosperity and wellbeing.
- 3Ganesh Puja (First)Always begin with Lord Ganesha. Offer flowers, rice, and durva grass. Apply roli-chawal tilak. Offer modak or laddoo. Chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah".
- 4Lakshmi Puja — 16 Offerings (Shodashopachara)Offer: Aavahan, Asana, Paadya, Arghya, Snan, Vastra, Yagnopaveet, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoop, Diya, Naivedya (sweets), Achaman, Tambul, Dakshina, and Aarti.
- 5Lakshmi AartiPerform aarti with a 5-flame diya (panch aarti). Sing "Om Jai Lakshmi Mata". Ring the bell throughout. After aarti, circulate the diya to all family members.
- 6Prasad Distribution & Lighting DiyasDistribute prasad. Light 13 diyas throughout the home — at the door, each room, tulsi plant, main gate, and one facing south for ancestors.
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥
O Goddess Lakshmi, who resides in the lotus, please be pleased and bless us with prosperity.
तुमको निस दिन सेवत, हरि विष्णु विधाता॥
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः — Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Chant 108 times with a rudraksha or tulsi mala before beginning Lakshmi puja.