What to do and not do on Diwali
On Diwali, a full cleaning of the house, Lakshmi-Ganesh puja in the auspicious muhurat, diyas all over the house and keeping one diya burning all night are considered auspicious. By tradition, lending money, keeping the house dark and quarrelling are avoided on the evening of Diwali.
✅ What to do
- Before the puja, clean the house, especially the north-east corner and the main door.
- Put rangoli, a toran and diyas at the main door.
- Do the Lakshmi-Ganesh puja in the auspicious muhurat of pradosh kaal.
- Let one diya of the Lakshmi puja burn all night.
- After the puja, take the blessings of elders and give daan to the needy.
❌ What not to do
- Do not leave any corner of the house dark at puja time.
- By tradition, lending money is avoided on the evening of Diwali.
- Do not quarrel or speak bitter words at home.
- A murti of Lakshmi ji in a seated pose, rather than standing, is considered auspicious.
- Be careful with firecrackers and look after children and animals.
These niyam (rules) are based on tradition and belief; they can differ between regions and families.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a diya kept burning all night on Diwali?
It is believed that on the night of Diwali Maa Lakshmi visits every home and enters only the ones that are lit.