This year’s Diwali falls during an extended Amavasya (new moon) tithi, from October 31 at 3:52 PM to 6:16 PM on the 1st of November the scholars have disputed the rightful day of celebration. Some people support October 31 due to the Pradosh Kaal in that evening for the Lakshmi Puja is appropriate according to some almanacs whereas, other people have supported November 1, according to the Udaya Tithi tradition, the sunrise tithi which is considered to be auspicious.
Supporters of October 31 emphasize its potent symbolism of light overcoming darkness, recommending that devotees perform Lakshmi Puja that evening as Amavasya begins. However, spiritual leaders following Vedic customs argue for November 1, when the Amavasya tithi continues into the morning, offering greater spiritual significance for Diwali.
Drik Panchang supports November 1 and advocated for conducting Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal. Here are the suggested
Auspicious Muhurats:
- October 31, 2024:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:35 PM to 8:11 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 6:21 PM to 8:17 PM
- Lakshmi Puja: 6:25 PM to 8:32 PM
- November 1, 2024:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 6:19 PM to 8:15 PM
- Lakshmi Puja: 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM
To perform Lakshmi Puja, follow these steps:
1. Preparation: It is traditional to cleanse and purify where you live with incense, and to establish a shrine to the goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha, flowers, sweets, and diya, that is oil lamps.
2. Invoke Ganesha: Prayers to Lord Ganesha are start of the process to address and ward off the problems. Small lamps and singing and chanting, “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.”
3. Lakshmi Puja: Place flowers, sweets and coins at home or in a temple with devotion and say the mantra: Om Shreem Mahalakshmi Namah.
4. Aarti and Prasad: The programme should come to a close with the Aarti for the goddess Lakshmi and offering of prasad to each other as the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Evening Puja during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal is recommended, it brings happiness to the house.
