Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of India’s most cherished festivals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, and is celebrated with diyas, rangoli, prayers, and family gatherings across the country. The main day, Lakshmi Puja, marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking prosperity, health, and happiness.
This year, the puja muhurat is from 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM, a period considered highly auspicious for worship. Observing proper rituals can ensure a smooth and prosperous celebration.
Diwali 2025: Do’s for Lakshmi Puja
1. Clean and Decorate Your Home
Devotees are advised to keep their homes and workplaces clean, well-lit, and adorned with diyas, candles, flowers, and rangoli. “A bright and tidy home invites positive energy and prosperity,” experts say.
2. Place Manglik Kalash at Entrances
For auspiciousness, place a coconut-coated Manglik Kalash on either side of your main entrance. This is believed to ward off negative energies and attract wealth.
3. Set Up the Puja Area Properly
Position the altar in the northeast corner of the house. Idols should face east, while devotees sit with their backs to the north. Spread a red cloth at the puja site and place idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Shodasha on it.
4. Include Valuables Near the Altar
Keep gold, silver, or other precious items near the puja setup to symbolize wealth and good fortune.
5. Follow Pradoshkaal Timing
Performing the puja during the pradoshkaal ensures maximum auspiciousness, aligning rituals with cosmic energies.
Diwali 2025: Don’ts for Lakshmi Puja
1. Avoid Inauspicious Materials
Do not use glass idols; clay or silver idols are preferred. Also, avoid gifting leather, sharp objects, or crackers, which are considered inauspicious.
2. Maintain Cleanliness at Entrances
Never leave footwear at the entrance as it is believed to repel Goddess Lakshmi. Trash should not be left on the doorstep or terrace, and iron utensils should be avoided during puja.
3. Do Not Leave the Puja Unattended
Ensure the diya lamp remains burning throughout the night. Never leave the puja area unattended.
4. Avoid Financial Transactions
Do not borrow, lend, or engage in money-related transactions on Diwali, as it is considered inauspicious.
5. Refrain from Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol
Maintain purity by avoiding non-vegetarian food and liquor during the festival.
Also Read: Happy Diwali 2025: Laxmi Pooja Date, Timings, and Auspicious Muhurat For Divine Blessings
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin