Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus around the world. It is a festival of lights and is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities. Performing Diwali Puja in 2023, or any other year, involves several rituals and customs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Diwali Puja: Materials you will need: A clean and quiet place for the puja. A small table or platform covered with a clean cloth. Idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha (you can also use silver coins with their images). A Diya (oil lamp) with Ghee or oil. Incense sticks and holder. Flowers, particularly marigold and lotus. Sweets, fruits, and other offerings. A small bowl of uncooked rice. Roli and Akshat (rice mixed with turmeric) for tilak. Camphor for aarti. Betel leaves and nuts. Coconut. A silver or gold coin. New currency notes (optional). A mirror (optional). Silver utensils and jewelry (optional). Diwali Puja Procedure: Cleanliness: Before starting the puja, take a bath and ensure that the place of worship is clean and pure. Set Up: Place the platform with the clean cloth in a chosen location. Put the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the platform. You can also place a silver coin with their images. Light the Diya: Light the Diya using ghee or oil and place it in front of the deities. You can also light multiple diyas around the house to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Offer Flowers: Offer flowers to the deities and around the platform. Marigold and lotus flowers are considered auspicious. Incense: Light the incense sticks and place them in the holder. The fragrance is believed to purify the environment. Offerings: Place sweets, fruits, and other offerings in front of the deities. This symbolizes the abundance of wealth and prosperity. Rice: Take a small bowl of uncooked rice and sprinkle it on the deities while reciting mantras. Tilak: Apply Roli and Akshat (rice mixed with turmeric) on the idols. Aarti: Perform the aarti by lighting camphor and moving it in a circular motion in front of the deities. Sing or recite aarti songs. Prayers and Mantras: Offer your prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. You can recite Diwali-specific mantras or general Lakshmi and Ganesha mantras. Betel Leaves and Nuts: Offer betel leaves and nuts to the deities as a sign of respect and honor. Coconut: Break the coconut and offer it to the deities. The coconut is considered a symbol of purity. Silver or Gold Coin: Place a silver or gold coin in front of the deities. Some people also touch the coin to receive blessings. New Currency Notes: Some people place new currency notes in front of the deities to symbolize wealth and prosperity. It's optional. Mirror (optional): Some people keep a mirror near the deities to symbolize the reflection of light and to bring more light into their lives. Silver Utensils and Jewelry (optional): Some families also worship and bless their silver utensils and jewelry on Diwali. Distribute Prasad: After the puja, distribute the prasad (offerings) to family members and guests. It's important to perform the puja with devotion and sincerity, focusing on your intentions for wealth, prosperity, and the victory of light over darkness. After the Diwali Puja, people exchange gifts and sweets, light fireworks and lamps, and visit friends and family to share the festive spirit. Please note that specific traditions and rituals may vary from region to region and from one family to another. It's a good idea to consult with a priest or an elder in your family for any additional customs or practices that are specific to your tradition.