With so many mythological legends behind it, Diwali is both a festival of traditional poojas and calibrations. Houses are cleaned and white washed, new clothes, ornaments and utensils are bought in preparation for this auspicious day.
Traditionally Diwali Pooja is performed after sunset at home.On Diwali night, Ganesha shares the altar with Lakshmi. Shree Ganesha is the god of good beginnings and the fabled remover of obstacles. It is when placed side by side, Lakshmi and Ganesha hold out promise of fulfillment of desires, freedom from wants and obstacles.
Lord Ganesha is worshiped along with Goddess Lakshmi by placing their idols on a platform, five ghee lamps are lit in front of the deities, various traditional offerings of sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume, haldi, kumkum, abeer, gulal, garland of cotton beads, flowers, especially the marigold flowers and leaves of Bel (wood apple tree) etc are made. A lot of people keep a silver coin of Lakshmi and Ganesh at pooja. Incense sticks and dhoop are lit and offering of sweets, coconut, fruits, and tambulam are made.
Those who know the ritualistic pooja perform it in the traditional way. Several people call a priest to perform the pooja. Others recite the stotras of Ganesha and Lakshmi. Doing the mantra japa of Ganesha and Lakshmi is very auspicious on this day.
After Diwali Pooja people light diyas (lamps) in their homes to usher in light and clear the darkness from the world.
In villages cattle are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south, cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day.
More details
First Day – Dhanteras
Second Day – Naraka Chaturdasi/Kali Chaudas
Third Day – Diwali
Fourth Day – Vishvakarma Pooja/Govardhan Pooja
Fifth Day – Bhaiya Dooj
The legend of Diwali gambling
Ganesha & Lakshmi mantras for reciting
Ganesha & Lakshmi Stotras for reciting
