Diwali 2021 — Check out puja time, date and procedure

The festival of Diwali in Hinduism is associated with quite a many mythological stories. The most famous one is the killing of the demon Narakasur by Lord Krishna.

The colourful festival of Diwali also marks the return of Sri Ram to Ayodhya after his victorious sojourn into the woods and the heroic battle with the mighty demon Ravan. Diwali is the best time to perform Lakshmi puja in homes seeking the Goddess of wealth to bless the household with health, wealth and happiness.

Here is a detailed account of Diwali 2021 puja time, date and procedure you will have to know to celebrate the occasion with your near and dear ones.

Diwali time and date

Diwali is observed in the month of Kartik (October – November) on the new moon day (Amavasya). The calendar marks the Diwali date this year on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

On Thursday, November 4, 2021, Amavasya Tithi starts at 06:03 a.m. and lasts till 02:44 a.m., on 5th November 2021. The most auspicious time to perform Diwali puja is during the Pradosh kaal meaning the period that immediately follows sunset. The puja muhurat on Diwali is decided based on the time when Pradosh Kaal and Amavasya tithi come together. It is enough even if Amavasya tithi overlaps Pradosh kaal at least for 24 minutes. .Diwali puja 2021 must be performed on Thursday, November 4, 2021 between 06:09 p.m. and 08:20 p.m.

Diwali puja procedure

Diwali puja is governed by a simple procedure that can have some variations across different regions and traditions in the country. However, the most common elements of Diwali puja are discussed here.

Wake up early in the morning on Diwali and take a ceremonial bath preferably adding Ganga Jal into the water you use for bathing. Wear new clothes and prepare the house for the evening puja with decorations, rangolis and setting up the altar in the puja room or the main hall. On the altar, spread a red cloth and arrange the pictures or idols of Lord Ganesh, Lakshmi, and Kuber. Decorate the deities with flowers, sandal paste, turmeric paste and vermilion.

Light up the lamp, light incense sticks and ring the bell to mark the start of the puja. The first puja is done to Lord Ganesh for the successful completion of puja. Offer flowers and coconut to Lord Ganesh and pray for the success of puja. Then start Lakshmi puja by chanting Sri Suktam or the slokas or mantras of Goddess Lakshmi. Puja to Kuber follows this. The special dishes prepared for the puja are arranged in front of the altar. People also place coins in front of the altar to invoke the blessings of the Goddess of wealth.

Sing songs of Lakshmi, Lord Krishna and Lord Ram during the occasion. Chant the names of Goddess Lakshmi and offer flowers at the altar. Let all the family members participate in the puja together in harmony and cooperation. At the end of the puja, wave camphor flame in front of the deities accompanied by arati song you are familiar with. Pray for the welfare of the family and to bless the household with prosperity, happiness and health. Share the Prasad with the family members and guests at the close of the puja.

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