Diwali 2018: Perform Lakshmi puja during this Muhurat for luck, wealth and prosperity

On this day people worship the statutes of Lord Ganesh, Mother Lakshmi which they bought on Dhanteras. At some places they worship Mother Saraswati too. While these three pujas are very important on this day, additionally, there is also a practice of performing Kuber Puja too. 

The puja can be performed by fasting either Nirjal (without water) or phalahar (eating only fruits) depending upon person's will and capacity. 

The puja altar in the home is cleaned and decorated. On a raised pedestal, the idols of Ganesh, Lakshmi and Saraswati are placed. They are decorated with sandal paste, vermilion and flowers. 

 Things you need for the puja include as many earthen lamps as possible (Diya), turmeric powder, sandal paste, vermilion, coconut, betel leaves and betel nuts, flowers, pure water, some nice dishes for offering and others as per your possibility.

At the start of the puja, chant Ganapati Mantra and pray to him for removing the obstacles on the way of the puja. 

Chant the mantras of Ganesha, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Also offer flowers chanting the Ashtothra Namavali (list of 108 names) of these three deities one by one.Following this, you can break the coconut and offer the tambool (betel leaves and nuts), fruits and other dishes you have prepared for the puja.

It is highly auspicious to chant Sri Suktam (the vedic mantra dedicated to Lakshmi) on this day which shall bring good fortune and prosperity to the home. 

Post puja light diyas and place them in your house.