Lakshmi Puja (Day 3)

The Diwali story of Lakshmi Puja goes like this. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi manifested herself on the day when the demons and deities were churning the ocean together to find out the 'drink of immortality’; Thus Diwali festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Goddess of Wealth. Whatever the reasons may be, however, Diwali, has always been associated with the worshipping of Lakshmi.

The third day is the main festive day. "Lakshmi-Puja" on Diwali is performed to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. . It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity. When the sun sets in the evening and ceremonial worship is finished all the homemade sweets are offered to the goddess as "NAIVEDYA" and distributed as "PRASAD". Feasts are arranged and gifts are exchanged on this day gaily dressed men, women and children go to temples and fairs, visit friends and relatives. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.