Samagri (Materials Needed)
चौकी (लकड़ी की पटरी) एवं लाल वस्त्र लक्ष्मी-गणेश की मूर्ति या चित्र कलश, नारियल, आम के पत्ते रोली, चावल (अक्षत), कुमकुम, हल्दी दीपक, घी/तेल, रुई की बत्ती कमल व गेंदे के फूल, माला मिठाई (लड्डू, बताशे), फल पान का पत्ता, सुपारी, लौंग, इलायची चांदी/सोने के सिक्के धूप, अगरबत्ती, कपूर गंगाजल, पंचामृत (दूध, दही, घी, शहद, शक्कर)
Wooden chowki with red cloth Lakshmi-Ganesha idol or picture Kalash, coconut, mango leaves Roli, rice (akshat), kumkum, turmeric Diyas, ghee/oil, cotton wicks Lotus and marigold flowers, garland Sweets (laddu, batashe), fruits Betel leaf, betel nut, cloves, cardamom Silver/gold coins Dhoop, incense sticks, camphor Ganga jal, panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
Step-by-Step Vidhi
1. Clean the house and place of worship thoroughly before sunset. 2. Set up a chowki with red cloth in the northeast corner of the puja room, facing east or north. 3. Place the Lakshmi-Ganesha idols/pictures with a kalash (filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut) beside them. 4. Light a ghee diya and invoke Ganesha first with "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah", offering roli, akshat and flowers. 5. Invoke Goddess Lakshmi with dhyana and offer panchamrit for abhishek, then dress the idol and offer fresh flowers, a garland and new clothes/cloth. 6. Offer sweets, fruits, betel leaf and coins as naivedya. 7. Perform aarti (Om Jai Lakshmi Mata) with a lit camphor/ghee lamp while ringing a bell. 8. Distribute prasad to family members and light diyas throughout the house and at the entrance.
Auspicious Timing & Mantras
Performed during Pradosh Kaal (twilight, shortly after sunset) on Diwali night, in the fixed Amavasya Lakshmi Puja muhurat published each year. Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" and "Om Jai Lakshmi Mata" during worship. Believed to invite Lakshmi's blessing of wealth and prosperity into the home for the coming year.