Maharashtra Din, also known as Maharashtra Day, is an important celebration marking the formation of the state of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Day holds immense historical and
Lakshmi Puja, also known as Laksmi puja or Laxmi puja, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. This auspicious occasion falls on the third day of Diwali, the festival of lights. Lakshmi Puja is a day of immense spiritual importance and joyful festivities, bringing families together to honour and seek blessings from goddess Lakshmi.
When is Lakshmi Puja in 2024?
For those wondering, "When is Lakshmi Puja in 2024?" The date is October 31st, 2024. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, this date marks the most auspicious time for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi Puja date falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartik month, which is considered the darkest night of the year. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
The Significance of Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja holds immense cultural and religious significance in India. Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the harbinger of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Worshipping her is believed to bring financial stability, happiness, and success in personal and professional endeavours. The rituals and customs associated with Lakshmi Puja are designed to invoke her blessings and ensure a prosperous future.
Celebrations of Lakshmi Puja in India
The celebration of Lakshmi Puja is marked by various rituals and traditions that vary across different regions of India. Here are some of the key elements of the festivities:
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Cleaning and Decorating Homes
In preparation for Lakshmi Puja, households undergo thorough cleaning and decoration. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits clean and well-decorated homes. People adorn their houses with rangoli (intricate designs made with coloured powders), flowers, and oil lamps to welcome the goddess.
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Lighting Diyas and Candles
As Lakshmi Puja falls on the darkest night of the year, lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles is a significant part of the celebration. These lights are placed around the house, in doorways and windows, to ward off darkness and evil spirits, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Worship and Offerings
The main ritual of Lakshmi Puja involves worshipping idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, often accompanied by Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles. Devotees offer flowers, sweets, fruits, and other auspicious items to the deities, chanting prayers and hymns to invoke their blessings.
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Lakshmi Puja Timings
The most auspicious time for performing Lakshmi Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which starts after sunset. This period is considered highly favourable for seeking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
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Sweets and Festive Foods
Preparing and sharing sweets and festive foods are integral parts of the celebration. Traditional Indian sweets like laddoos, barfis, and kheer are made and offered to the goddess before being distributed among family members and guests.
Things Needed to Perform Lakshmi Puja
Performing Lakshmi Puja requires several items that hold spiritual significance. Here is a list of things needed to conduct the puja:
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Idols or Images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
These idols or images are essential and central to the puja and are placed on a clean and decorated altar.
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Puja Thali
A decorated plate used in the ritual typically contains essential items such as a small lamp, incense sticks, kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, rice grains, and flowers. A significant part of the celebrations also involves lighting clay lamps (diyas), which add to the festive atmosphere.
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Kalash (Water Vessel)
A metal or clay pot filled with water, decorated with mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top, symbolising abundance.
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Oil Lamps (Diyas)
To illuminate the puja area and create a sacred ambience, oil lamps are lit up.
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Fresh Flowers
Marigolds and other fresh flowers like roses are used for garlands and offerings.
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Fruits and Sweets
Offerings to the goddess include a variety of fruits and traditional sweets.
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Camphor and Incense Sticks
To create a fragrant and purifying atmosphere during the puja, camphor and incense sticks (agarbatti) are lit.
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Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts
The leaves are considered auspicious and used in rituals.
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Panchamrit
A mixture of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar is used for anointing the idols.
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Coins and Money
To symbolize wealth, gold or silver coins are placed near the idols as offerings.
Lakshmi Puja 2024 Timings
In Hindu tradition, "Pradosh Kaal" refers to a specific time period during the evening when the Pradosh Vrat or fasting is observed. The word "kaal" means "time" or "period" in Sanskrit, while "tithi" refers to the lunar day in the Hindu calendar. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated at a specific time, also known as muhurat. These timings are:
| Lakshmi Puja Time & Duration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pradosh Kaal | Starts at 05:36 pm | Ends at 08:11 pm |
| Vrishabha Kaal | Starts from 06:20 pm | Ends at 08:15 pm |
| Amavasya Tithi | Tithi starts at 03:52 pm on October 31, 2024 | Ends at 06:16 pm on November 1, 2024 |
| Lakshmi Puja Time & Duration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pradosh Kaal | Starts at 05:36 pm | Ends at 08:11 pm |
| Vrishabha Kaal | Starts from 06:20 pm | Ends at 08:15 pm |
| Amavasya Tithi | Tithi starts at 03:52 pm on October 31, 2024 | Ends at 06:16 pm on November 1, 2024 |
Lakshmi Puja Holiday in India
Lakshmi Puja is not just a religious festival but also a public holiday in most parts of India. It is widely observed across states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and various regional customs. This means that many schools, colleges, and businesses often remain closed, allowing people to participate in the celebrations.
It is considered a time for families to come together, share in the joy of the festival, and strengthen their bonds. As a public holiday, Lakshmi Puja offers a respite from daily routines, enabling everyone to immerse themselves fully in the festive spirit.
Embracing the Blessings of Lakshmi Puja 2024
Lakshmi Puja 2024, set to be celebrated on October 31st, promises to be a day of joy, devotion, and community. This day is not only about seeking material wealth but also about fostering spiritual growth, gratitude, and generosity.
Before You Go…
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On Lakshmi Puja, various rituals and activities, like cleaning, praying, lighting diyas, etc, are performed to honour Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on October 31st, 2024.
Lakshmi Puja is a significant part of the larger Diwali festival. While Diwali spans several days and celebrates the victory of light over darkness, Lakshmi Puja specifically focuses on worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, on the third day of Diwali.
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