Lakshmi Puja in India 2024

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Kalash (Water Vessel)

   A metal or clay pot filled with water, decorated with mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top, symbolising abundance.

4. Oil Lamps (Diyas)

   To illuminate the puja area and create a sacred ambience, oil lamps are lit up.

5. Fresh Flowers

   Marigolds and other fresh flowers like roses are used for garlands and offerings.

6. Fruits and Sweets

   Offerings to the goddess include a variety of fruits and traditional sweets.

7. Camphor and Incense Sticks

   To create a fragrant and purifying atmosphere during the puja, camphor and incense sticks (agarbatti) are lit.

8. Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts

   The leaves are considered auspicious and used in rituals.

9. Panchamrit

   A mixture of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar is used for anointing the idols.

10. 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…

If you are looking to get a personal loan for home renovation to indulge in the festivities, KreditBee offers competitive interest rates and a hassle-free application process. As the day approaches, let us all prepare to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our homes and hearts, embracing her values of prosperity, peace, and unity.

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