Diwali 2024: Deepavali Puja Timings, Dos And Don’ts For Joyous Celebrations

Diwali day has finally arrived, bringing with it a sense of joy and celebration. On this special day, young and ults alike celebrate Festival of Lights with great enthusiasm, symbolizing triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

What is Diwali Puja?

Every festival in India is associated with specific pujas and rituals dedicated to deities, and for Deepavali, celebrations honour Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, who bring wealth, prosperity, and protection from obstacles.

Participating in Diwali Puja is important to invite blessings into home and to celebrate victory of light over darkness.

Diwali Puja Shubh Muhurat

best time to perform Lakshmi Puja, a central part of Deepavali celebrations, is on October 31, from 5:32 pm to 8:51 pm.

Dos for Diwali Puja

• Maintain cleanliness: A clean home shows respect and purity for Goddess Lakshmi.
• Use brass or silver vessels: Offer water to deities in brass or silver vessels for purity.
• Perform Puja during Shubh Muhurat: Consult a trusted Panchang to find most favourable time for rituals.
• Recite or play mantras: Chant or play mantras for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi to attract positive energy and create a divine atmosphere.
• Light diyas and lamps: Place diyas and lamps on altar and around home to symbolize victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
• Set up a sacred altar: Decorate with flowers, rangoli, and idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Ideally, place altar in norast or east direction according to Vastu principles.

Don’ts for Diwali Puja

• Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol: Consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol is considered inauspicious on special days like this as it may negate positive energy of rituals.
• Do not use damaged puja items: Using broken or damaged items can be seen as disrespectful in rituals.
• Avoid performing puja outside auspicious timings: It is always vised to conduct rituals during designated Muhurat.