Complete Diwali Puja Samagri Checklist for Lakshmi Puja
By Diwali Countdown Team · 24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read
Everything you need to gather for a smooth, complete Lakshmi Puja, organised into a simple checklist.
A peaceful, well-prepared Lakshmi Puja begins long before the diyas are lit. Gathering every item in advance means you can focus on devotion rather than last-minute searching. This complete samagri (materials) checklist covers everything you need for a traditional Diwali Lakshmi Puja, organised so nothing is forgotten.
Why Preparation Matters
Lakshmi is believed to bless homes that are clean, bright, and ready to receive her. Having your altar set and your samagri arranged keeps the ritual unhurried and meaningful. If this is your first time leading the puja, read our step-by-step Lakshmi Puja Vidhi guide alongside this checklist.
Idols and the Altar
- Idols or framed images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha (Ganesha is always worshipped first).
- A clean red or yellow cloth to cover the platform or chowki.
- A small kalash (pot) filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut.
- A bell and a small platform for the deities.
Lamps, Incense and Light
- Clay diyas and cotton wicks (plenty, for the altar and around the home).
- Pure ghee or sesame oil for the lamps.
- Incense sticks (agarbatti), dhoop, and a holder.
- Camphor (kapur) for the aarti.
- A box of matches or a lighter.
Offerings and Worship Items
- Kumkum, haldi (turmeric), and chandan (sandalwood paste) for tilak.
- Rice (akshat), often mixed with a little kumkum.
- Fresh flowers and garlands, especially marigold and lotus.
- Betel leaves and nuts (paan and supari).
- Coins or currency notes, and account books or symbols of your work to be blessed.
- A small mound of rice on which to place the kalash.
Prasad and Naivedya
Offer sweets, fruits, and dry fruits as naivedya. Traditional favourites include laddoo, barfi, and kheer, along with bananas, apples, and pomegranate. Making the sweets at home adds devotion and aroma to the day. Our free Recipe Generator gives you exact measurements and a printable card, and you can browse classics in our homemade Diwali sweets guide.
Arranging the Altar
Place the idols facing east or north on the covered platform, with Ganesha to Lakshmi's right. Set the kalash, lamps, and offering plates within easy reach. Keep the area uncluttered and clean. A tidy, fragrant space reflects the respect at the heart of the ritual, which is why a thorough pre-Diwali cleaning is the perfect first step.
Don't Forget the Muhurat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting Ganesha: Always begin by worshipping Lord Ganesha before Lakshmi.
- A cluttered altar: Keep the space clean and uncrowded; it reflects the respect of the ritual.
- Missing the muhurat: Set everything up early so you are ready when the auspicious window opens.
- Using wilted flowers: Fresh flowers and garlands are part of a proper offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I perform Lakshmi Puja?
During the Pradosh Kaal just after sunset on the main Diwali day. Confirm the exact local timing with our Muhurat Finder.
Which direction should the idols face?
Place the idols facing east or north, on a clean red or yellow cloth, with Ganesha to Lakshmi's right.
What sweets are offered during Lakshmi Puja?
Laddoo, barfi, and kheer are popular, along with fruits and dry fruits. Homemade sweets add devotion and aroma to the offering.
Can I use an LED diya for the puja?
Traditional clay diyas with ghee or oil are preferred for the ritual itself, but LED diyas are a safe choice for decorating busy areas of the home.
Setting the Right Atmosphere
Beyond the physical items, the atmosphere of the puja matters just as much. Before you begin, take a moment for a quiet sankalp, a sincere intention or resolve, naming what you are grateful for and what you hope to nurture in the year ahead. Bathe and wear clean, preferably traditional clothes, and switch off televisions and phones so the household can focus together without distraction.
Light the lamps in a calm sequence, beginning with the main diya before the deities, then the incense, slowly filling the room with a gentle glow and fragrance. Involve every family member, giving children a small role such as placing flowers, offering rice, or ringing the bell, so the ritual becomes a shared memory rather than a solo task. A puja performed unhurried, with everyone present and the home freshly cleaned, carries a warmth that no checklist alone can provide. When the aarti is complete, distribute the prasad with both hands and a smile, sharing the blessings of the evening with everyone gathered, and take a quiet minute together to soak in the calm before the celebrations continue.
Even a perfectly prepared puja depends on timing. Lakshmi Puja is performed during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal after sunset, and the exact window changes by year and city. Look up your local timing with the free Diwali Muhurat Finder, and use the countdown to plan your preparations day by day. For the bigger picture of how this fits into the festival, see our guide to the five days of Diwali.