Festival
Diwali
The festival of lights — Lakshmi Puja, diyas in every window, and new beginnings.
Significance
Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness. It commemorates Shri Ram's return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Ravana — the city lit lamps to welcome him home. It is also the night of Lakshmi Puja, when the goddess of wealth is believed to visit homes that are clean, lit and welcoming.
Falling on the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartik, the darkest night of the month, Diwali's rows of diyas carry the festival's essential teaching — that a single flame is enough to defeat the deepest darkness.
How it is celebrated
- Clean and decorate the home with rangoli, torans and rows of diyas.
- Perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, with Ganesh worshipped first.
- Recite the Lakshmi Aarti and offer sweets, kheel and batashe.
- Exchange gifts and sweets with family and neighbours.
- Light lamps at the doorstep and windows through the night.
Prayers for Lakshmi
English
Shree Lakshmi Aarti (1)
Jay Lakshmee Ramana Shree Jay Lakshmee Ramana,
English
Shree Lakshmi Aarti (2)
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata,
English
Shree Lakshmi Aarti (3)
Jay Devee Jay Devee Jay Mahaalakshmee ।
English
Shree Lakshmi Aarti (4)
Om Namo Aadyaroope ।
English
Shree Lakshmi Aarti (5)
Karaveerapuravaasinee Suravaramunimaata ।
English
Shree Lakshmi Chalisa
Maatu Lakshmee Kari Krpa,
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