Lakshmi Puja is observed to worship the Goddess for wealth and prosperity. This festival is observed in different parts of the country with different names. In Bengal Lakshmi Puja is observed during the Hindu month of Ashwin and is known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. In South India during the month of Aadi this puja is observed and is known as VaraLakshmi Puja. Lakshmi Puja is also observed during Diwali.

The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja follows certain rituals which are stated below for the benefit of anybody wondering how to do Lakshmi Puja.

•Devotees should clean and decorates the house and place the idol or the image of Goddess Lakshmi at the worship room or the puja ghar. •At first the necessary things should be gathered and arranged according to the requirement.

•The fruits and flowers are to be placed before the idol. The kalash or the ghot is also to be placed before the idol.

•Large noibiddos and small noibiddo is to be prepared before the starting of the puja. •Other things like pradip or lamps, incense sticks are to be lighted. The conch shell is also required for the puja. •The priest and the ladies of the house or those who fast for the puja are to chant the Lakshmi Puja mantras continuously. Those who do not know how to do VaraLakshmi Puja may follow the below mentioned steps:

•The devotees must get up early at the morning and clean the house. •When the place of the puja is decided the Lakshmi idol or image should be placed and decorated with betel nuts, flowers and mango leaves. •The thali and the Kalash should be prepared with the things required for Lakshmi Puja. •Then the devotees should worship Lord Ganesha and then start the VaraLakshmi Puja. The rituals of how to do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali are as follows:

•For Diwali Lakshmi Puja cleaning and decorating of the house is also necessary. The residents should take part in the cleaning and the decorating. •Next all the necessary items and the offerings should be made ready before the scheduled time of the puja. •The mandap or the place where the puja is to be done should be decorated with flowers and the idols are then to be placed there. •The diyas and the lamps should be lighted with the Prasad and sweets ready. Those things should also include the offering to be made. •On this day along with Lakshmi Devi Lord Ganesha is also worshipped to bring wealth and prosperity in the family.

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