The dos and don'ts rule during diwali puja time and day

Diwali, the festival of lights is deeply connected with the religious and spiritual sentiments of people in India. Celebrated in a highly unique and enthusiastic way, Diwali is so dear to children and elders alike for the several charms the day holds for all. People eagerly await Diwali and wish to make the most of the day for the prosperity of the home, wealth, health and happiness. If you wish to reap the benefits of Diwali celebrations, there are few dos and don’ts prescribed by the tradition. Closely following this list can ensure you get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi in abundance for yourself and your sweet home.

Dos for Diwali Puja

During Diwali puja, set up the altar in the north-east direction of the home or business place. The idols placed in the puja must face the east direction. Those who perform puja must sit facing the north direction.

Light the main puja lamp with ghee. The count of the lamps kept in the puja must be 11, 21 or 513. In the southeast corner of the home, place a mustard or sesame oil lamp and keep it lit throughout the Diwali festival.

Keep the house and business premises neat, clean and well lit during the Diwali celebrations. Goddess Lakshmi likes clean places and blesses the homes and business sites that are maintained well. Abstain from disputes, quarrels and disagreements in the house or business during the puja.

Let all the members of the family participate in the pujas. Remember, this is the best part of all your lives and it is important to suspend all your other activities during the puja focusing mainly on worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. When you involve in the puja as a family, you will see harmony, peace, hope and happiness filling the household or business place.

Place valuables like gold, silver, jewels and others in the puja. This act can bring good luck. It is also auspicious to place the things, account books and other materials connected with your education or business in the puja.

Don’ts for Diwali Puja

Never borrow money or lend money during the Diwali celebrations. Never give things to others after sunset. Though charity is a good thing to do during Diwali festival, never give away anything during the pradosh kaal or the two hours’ time immediately following the sunset.

Do not gift items like leather goods, sharp edged items, and crackers to anyone during the festival. In case it becomes a must to give any of these items, give them along with sweets.

Never cook or consume non-vegetarian foods in home, abstain from taking alcohol during Diwali.

Throughout the night of Diwali puja, never leave the puja place unattended so that the lamp you light burns with a continuous supply of ghee or oil.

Do not clap while singing Lakshmi aarti. Never shout or sing loudly during the puja since Lakshmi abhors loud noise and will get offended with such activities.

Do not sweep the puja area or the house immediately after the puja as this act can cancel the merits and benefits received from the puja.