Diwali Puja

Before coming to the temple for prayers, all members ensure that they are dresses in their new Diwali clothes, and the women turn out in complete finery. This is because each one is respected as an embodiment of the Lord, and they look to bring Him home looking their very best. The prayers begin with Ganesha Pujan, an offering to Lord Ganesha. He is the deity to whom prayers are offered at the outset of any puja, since He is the remover of all obstacles. The endower of wisdom, intellect and good fortune, Ganesha enjoys the first offering at all ceremonies. It is followed by Laxmi Puja in which Goddes Laxmi, the main deity of the festival, is showered with prayers and praise.Diwali is almost synonymous with Laxmi. The festival Diwali is all about Laxmi, and everything is done to please her, implore her and beget her blessings. The customary lamps are lit and offered before they are placed in various places around the house, and at its threshold. This is done to ward away evil. Sweets are offered to the Goddess before they can be made available to the rest of the household and those visiting them afterwards.

The glory of Laxmi is sung in the ‘aarti’ and earnest appeal is made for good fortune. The idols are smeared a red vermillion dot called ‘tilak’ and uncooked rice is placed on top of it. Sweets and dry fruits are offered before they are distributed among the family. On this day, many people also perfom Kuber Puja. Kuber is the deity who is believed to be the custodian of all the wealth in the world. He is prayed to for apparent reason, with the use of gold and silver coins as offerings considered auspicious. This is believed to be the perfect time to invest in gold or silver. While Dhan Teras is the chosen day, several people also look to buy something for Diwali. This is also placed along with other puja items and offered prayer.

Once the puja has been completed, the younger members of the family touch feet of the elders and receive their blessings and Diwali Gifts as a token of their love. Later, people go about distributing sweets and gifts to friends. This is a tradition which is followed all over the world by Hindus. People living overseas ensure they perform pujas at home, and share the joy of Diwali by sending Diwali Gifts to India. Diwali Gifts in India are also ordered online by people who wish to reach their loved ones in different cities.

The Diwali puja is only an excuse for all the people of the house to gather and pray in unison, something which is not much of a commonality in many houses. Collective prayers have the greatest power. The family that prays together, lives together in happiness and harmony. This is all that Diwali stands for.