Lakshmi Kuber Puja

Lakshmi Kuber Puja is the centrepiece ritual of the Diwali night — performed on the new moon (Amavasya) of Kartik. Households clean and decorate their homes with diyas, draw rangoli, and gather around the family puja-altar at sunset. Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Kuber (the treasurer of the gods, lord of the northern direction and of all subterranean treasures) are invoked together. New account books are blessed (the practice that originated the Indian financial year alignment with Diwali). Coins, gold, and household valuables are placed before the deities. The puja is followed by the lighting of all household diyas — a beacon to guide Lakshmi to enter and stay.

The night of Kartik Amavasya is considered the most powerful annual moment for invoking material prosperity. Tradition holds that Lakshmi traverses the earth on this night, choosing to enter homes that are clean, well-lit, and welcoming. Kuber's inclusion alongside Lakshmi reflects the dual nature of wealth — the goddess provides the principle of prosperity, while Kuber manages its specific manifestation. The puja is the most widely-performed household puja in the entire Hindu calendar.

The puja is performed in the Pradosh Kala (1.5 hours before sunset to 2 hours after sunset) on Diwali night. The exact muhurta varies year by year and location — Personal Muhurta tools calculate the lagna-elevated window. Within Pradosh Kala, the specific minute when Stable Lagna (Sthira Lagna — Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) rises is the most powerful. Avoid Rahu Kala on the day.