Diwali 2026: Simple Lakshmi Puja Vidhi at Home, Step by Step (with Muhurat and Samagri List)

Every year the same question comes up a week before Diwali: "How do we actually do Lakshmi Puja at home?" Maybe your parents always did it and this is your first Diwali in a new city. Maybe you just want to do it properly this time. This simple Lakshmi Puja vidhi walks you through it step by step, with the 2026 muhurat, a short samagri list and no complicated rules.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2026: date and muhurat

• Diwali: Sunday, 8 November 2026
• Lakshmi Puja muhurat: about 5:55 PM to 7:50 PM
• Pradosh Kaal (evening window): about 5:31 PM to 8:09 PM

Timings are for New Delhi and shift by a few minutes in other cities. If you miss the exact muhurat, do not worry. Doing the puja with a clean heart anytime in the Pradosh Kaal evening is what matters most.

Before you start: 3 things to do in the morning

1. Clean the house, especially the entrance

Lakshmi is said to enter a home that is clean and bright. Sweep the main door, wipe the threshold and make a small rangoli.

2. Put up a toran and lights

Hang a toran of mango leaves or marigold flowers on the main door. Keep diyas and lights ready for the evening.

3. Set up the puja corner

Choose a clean spot, ideally facing north or east. Place a low wooden chowki and cover it with a red or yellow cloth.

Lakshmi Puja samagri: what you will need

Do not stress if you are missing something. Use what you have with love.

• A picture or idol of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh
• A kalash (small pot) with water, a few mango leaves and a coconut on top
• Diyas, ghee or oil, cotton wicks and a match box
• Kumkum, haldi, rice (akshat) and sandalwood paste
• Fresh flowers, especially lotus or marigold, and a garland
• Incense sticks and camphor
• Sweets, puffed rice (kheel), batashe and fruits for bhog
• A few coins or some cash, and your account book or wallet
• A bell and a small plate (thali) for aarti

Simple Lakshmi Puja vidhi, step by step

Step 1: Get ready

Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and gather the family. Sit comfortably in front of the chowki.

Step 2: Place Ganesh ji and Maa Lakshmi

Put Ganesh ji on the left and Maa Lakshmi on his right. Place the kalash on a small heap of rice in front.

Step 3: Light the diya and pray to Ganesh ji

Light the main ghee diya. Every puja starts with Ganesh ji, so fold your hands and say, "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah."

Step 4: Make your wish (sankalp)

Take a little water and rice in your right hand. Say your name, your family's names and what you are praying for: health, peace, prosperity. Then let it go in a small plate.

Step 5: Invite and welcome Maa Lakshmi

Close your eyes and invite Maa Lakshmi into your home. Offer her water, flowers, kumkum, haldi and rice, the way you would welcome an honoured guest.

Step 6: Offer bhog

Place the sweets, kheel, batashe and fruits in front of the idols.

Step 7: Worship your wealth

Put the coins, cash, wallet or account book in front of Maa Lakshmi. Apply a little kumkum and pray that what you earn is used well and keeps growing.

Step 8: Chant her mantra

Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" 11, 21 or 108 times. Children can join in too.

Step 9: Aarti

Sing "Om Jai Lakshmi Mata" while moving the aarti thali in circles. Ring the bell. Then take the aarti's warmth with your hands to your eyes.

Step 10: Light up the whole house

After puja, light diyas at the main door, windows, kitchen, water area and every corner. Many families leave one diya burning through the night.

Small mistakes people often make

• Starting before cleaning the house
• Keeping the main door dark on Diwali night
• Placing the idols directly on the floor
• Skipping Ganesh ji at the start
• Rushing the puja because guests are arriving. Even 20 calm minutes are better than an hour in a hurry.

Lakshmi, Kamala and the Mother who protects

In the Shakti tradition, Maa Lakshmi is also worshipped as Kamala or Kamalatmika, one of the ten Mahavidyas, the Mother who gives abundance and grace. That same night, devotees also worship Maa Kali, who clears away what blocks that abundance. You can read more in our guide to Kali Puja 2026.

If you want a clean, light home before Lakshmi arrives, our simple guide to clearing negative energy at home has easy steps you can do this week.

Want the puja done in your name?

If you are travelling, living abroad, or simply want the puja performed by priests, the Akhara can perform the Kamalatmika pooja for abundance and prosperity at Manali Ashram, with your name and gotra in the sankalp. You can watch it live from anywhere.

If money troubles keep repeating, see our business problem solution or book a personal consultation.

Frequently asked questions

What time is Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2026?

Lakshmi Puja 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November. The muhurat is about 5:55 PM to 7:50 PM in New Delhi.

Can I do Lakshmi Puja at home without a pandit?

Yes. Most families do it themselves. Follow the simple steps above with faith, and that is enough.

Which direction should Lakshmi face during puja?

Set up the puja corner in the north or east of the home, so that you face north or east while praying.

Which mantra should I chant for Lakshmi Puja?

"Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" is simple and widely chanted. You can also sing the aarti "Om Jai Lakshmi Mata".

What should I offer Maa Lakshmi as bhog?

Kheel and batashe are traditional. Sweets made of milk, rice kheer, fruits and dry fruits are also offered.

Wishing you and your family a bright, peaceful and prosperous Diwali. Jai Maa Lakshmi.