Diwali (or Deepavali) is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals that is celebrated across India and even abroad. Also called the festival of lights, Diwali is preceded with festivals like Dhanteras and Choti Diwali, and followed by Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. This year it would be celebrated on 14th November and needless to say, preparations have begun in full swing. Gifts, lights, sweets, rangoli are only some of the features that makes Diwali special for us.
(Also Read: When Is Dhanteras 2020? Date, Time And Food Rituals Of The Festival)
If you have grown up celebrating Diwali in India, you must be privy to the whole Pre-Diwali house cleaning that may last up to days. Did you know why your family insists on having everything spick and span around this time? It could be because of the special Laxmi puja that takes place on Diwali.
Here's all that you need to know about the Laxmi Puja time, mahurat and significance.
(Also Read: Diwali 2020: Veg Diwali Party Menu With Step By Step Recipes)
When Is Laxmi Puja 2020? Lakshmi Puja Time, Puja Muhurat In 12 Cities
Lakshmi Puja on Saturday, November 14, 2020
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat - 05:58 PM to 07:59 PM
Pradosh Kaal - 05:57 PM to 08:29 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 05:58 PM to 07:59 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins - 02:17 PM on Nov 14, 2020
Amavasya Tithi Ends - 10:36 AM on Nov 15, 2020
Laxmi Puja Timings In Different Cities:
05:58 PM to 07:59 PM - Pune
05:28 PM to 07:24 PM - New Delhi
05:41 PM to 07:43 PM - Chennai
05:37 PM to 07:33 PM - Jaipur
05:42 PM to 07:42 PM - Hyderabad
05:29 PM to 07:25 PM - Gurgaon
05:26 PM to 07:21 PM - Chandigarh
04:54 PM to 06:52 PM - Kolkata
06:01 PM to 08:01 PM - Mumbai
05:52 PM to 07:54 PM - Bengaluru
05:57 PM to 07:55 PM - Ahmedabad
05:28 PM to 07:23 PM - Noida
(Source: Drikpanchang.com)
Diwali 2020: Many Hindu families conduct Laxmi Puja at their homes
Significance Of Laxmi Puja And Special Prasad And Food
On the day of Diwali, which also happens to be Amavasya, many Hindus worship Goddess Laxmi, who also happens to be the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The houses are cleaned because it is believed that on this day Goddess Laxmi descends on earth and takes shelter in the house of her devotees. Along with Goddess Laxmi, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped, as it is believed no puja is complete without Lord Ganesha's worship. Many people draw beautiful rangolis in their courtyard which is also considered very auspicious on this day. People offer all kinds of bhog and prasad to the Goddess on this day. Puffed rice and jaggery ladoo, motichoor laddoo, khee, batasha, barfi different variety of fruits are some examples. The puja begins by offering turmeric, kumkum and flowers to the Goddess. Immediately after the puja, panchamrit is served. A special lamp is lit in front of the idol, and the puja concludes with arti, wherein everybody from the family joins.
Happy Diwali 2020, everyone!