Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals during Diwali, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Devotees believe that worshipping her with devotion and proper rituals invites blessings of fortune and removes obstacles from life. While devotion is the most important element, having the right items for the puja ensures that the rituals are performed smoothly and traditionally.

Here are the 10 must-have items for Lakshmi Puja at home and their significance.

1. Idol or Picture of Goddess Lakshmi
The centerpiece of the puja is the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, often accompanied by Lord Ganesha and sometimes Lord Vishnu. Placing the idol on a clean altar decorated with cloth, flowers, and rangoli sets the sacred tone for the worship.

2. Kalash (Sacred Pot)
A kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, is placed on the altar. It symbolizes creation, abundance, and the presence of divine energy. The kalash is considered highly auspicious and is often decorated with red cloth and kumkum.

3. Diyas (Oil Lamps)
Lighting diyas during Lakshmi Puja represents the removal of darkness and the arrival of light, knowledge, and prosperity. Traditionally, earthen lamps filled with ghee or oil are used and placed around the puja altar and home to invite positivity.

4. Flowers and Garland
Fresh flowers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi as a mark of devotion. Lotus flowers are considered her favorite, symbolizing purity and prosperity. Marigolds and roses are also widely used for decoration and offerings.

5. Incense Sticks and Dhoop
Fragrance plays a vital role in Hindu worship. Burning incense sticks and dhoop creates a divine atmosphere, purifies the surroundings, and symbolizes devotion rising towards the heavens.

6. Kumkum, Haldi, and Chandan (Sacred Powders)
These items are essential for marking the forehead (tilak), decorating the kalash, and honoring the deity. Kumkum (vermilion) represents energy and prosperity, haldi (turmeric) symbolizes purity, and chandan (sandalwood paste) represents spiritual upliftment.

7. Coins or Currency Notes
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, and placing coins or fresh currency notes before her idol symbolizes financial growth and stability. Many families keep these coins in their lockers or wallets after the puja as a token of blessings.

8. Fruits and Sweets (Naivedya)
Offering fruits and traditional sweets such as laddoos, kheer, or modaks is an important part of Lakshmi Puja. These offerings represent gratitude and are later distributed as prasad among family members.

9. Betel Leaves, Betel Nuts, and Rice Grains
These are traditional offerings used in most Hindu pujas. Rice grains (akshata) represent prosperity and fertility, while betel leaves and nuts symbolize respect, freshness, and the cycle of life.

10. Puja Thali (Worship Plate)
A decorated thali containing diyas, kumkum, haldi, rice, incense sticks, and sweets is essential for performing aarti. The circular movement of the thali symbolizes the cycle of creation and the spreading of divine blessings.

Additional Preparations
While these 10 items are must-haves, families also enhance their puja setup with rangoli designs, torans (door hangings), bells, conch shells, and devotional songs. Cleanliness of the home is emphasized, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides in places that are pure and welcoming.

The Ritual Process
The puja typically begins with Kalash Sthapana (installation of the kalash), followed by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Then, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with offerings of flowers, sweets, diyas, and coins. Finally, an aarti is performed with family members chanting hymns in her praise.

Symbolism of Lakshmi Puja
Each item in the puja is not just ritualistic but symbolic: the lamp removes ignorance, the flowers represent purity, the kalash embodies creation, and the sweets express gratitude. Together, they create a holistic spiritual practice that combines devotion, prosperity, and cultural richness.

Conclusion
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is a heartfelt tradition that blends devotion with cultural symbolism. Having these 10 essential items ensures that the ritual is performed with completeness and reverence. More than just a ritual, it is a way of inviting divine blessings into one’s home and life. By preparing with devotion, purity, and faith, devotees not only honor Goddess Lakshmi but also celebrate abundance, harmony, and the light of prosperity in their lives.