Kartik Amavasya

Kartik Amavasya is considered an especially significant sacred Tithi in the Sanatana tradition. The festival of Diwali is celebrated on the night of Kartik Amavasya, when Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped with devotion. The light of the lamps symbolises the removal of ignorance, despair and negativity and inspires us to embrace knowledge, hope and righteous conduct.

As this is an Amavasya Tithi, devotees may remember their ancestors and perform acts of charity in the morning, while Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are traditionally worshipped during Pradosha Kala. The appropriate Lakshmi Puja Muhurat varies according to the year and location, so it is advisable to consult the local Panchang.

Religious Significance of Kartik Amavasya

Diwali is associated with several sacred traditions. In the Ramayana tradition, it is connected with the joyous return of Lord Shri Rama to Ayodhya. In Vaishnava traditions, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and the Sattvic form of prosperity are worshipped. Many business families also traditionally perform Puja of their account books and places of work.

Goddess Lakshmi is not merely the Goddess of wealth; She also represents nourishment, noble conduct, cleanliness, generosity, the proper use of resources and auspicious prosperity. Lord Ganesha is the deity of wisdom and auspicious beginnings. Their combined worship therefore reminds devotees that prosperity should always be accompanied by discernment and righteous conduct.

Puja Items for Kartik Amavasya

An image or Murti of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
A clean Puja Chowki with a red or yellow cloth
Kalash, clean water, mango or Ashoka leaves and a coconut
Roli, sandalwood paste, Akshata, Mauli and flowers
Incense, camphor, ghee or oil lamps and cotton wicks
Fruits, sweets, Kheel-Batashe and Sattvic Naivedya
Coins, account books or clean materials related to one’s work
Food grains, sweets, clothes or useful items for charity

Simple Puja Method for Kartik Amavasya

Cleaning the Home and Puja Area: Clean the home and workplace before the Puja. Along with physical cleanliness, take a Sankalpa to cultivate purity in thought and conduct.
Setting Up the Puja Chowki: Spread a clean cloth over the Chowki and place the Murtis or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha upon it. A Kalash filled with water may also be placed nearby.
Sankalpa: During the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat given in the local Panchang, light the lamp and pray for the welfare of your family, society and all living beings.
Worship of Lord Ganesha: Begin by offering sandalwood paste, Akshata, flowers, incense, a lamp and Naivedya to Lord Ganesha.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi: Offer Roli, Akshata, lotus flowers or any other clean available flowers, fruits, sweets and lamps to Goddess Lakshmi. Place coins or account books before Her and take a Sankalpa to earn and use wealth through honest means.
Mantras and Stuti: According to your capacity, recite Lakshmi Mantras, the Shri Sukta, Lakshmi Chalisa or the “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata” Aarti.
Deep Daan: Place lamps in the Puja area and other safe places around the home. Observe proper fire safety and do not place lamps where they may endanger children, animals, clothing or other objects.
Prasada and Charity: After the Puja, distribute Prasada and offer food grains, sweets, clothes or useful items to those in need.

Kartik Amavasya Mantras

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah॥

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah॥

Rules to Follow on Kartik Amavasya

Consult the local Panchang for the appropriate Pradosha Kala and Lakshmi Puja Muhurat.
Maintain cleanliness, but avoid unnecessary wastage of water, food and decorative materials.
Take a Sankalpa to use wealth honestly and for service, family welfare and beneficial purposes.
Avoid gambling, alcohol, anger, insulting behaviour and Tamasic conduct.
Use lamps, candles and electrical decorations safely.
Avoid excessive noise and air pollution, and remain considerate towards children, elderly people, those who are unwell, animals, birds and the environment.

Traditional Benefits of Kartik Amavasya Puja

According to Hindu religious tradition, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha with sincere faith is considered auspicious for happiness, peace, righteous wisdom and prosperity within the home. The deeper significance of Diwali becomes meaningful when honesty, generosity, cleanliness, sincere effort and the responsible use of wealth are also brought into daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kartik Amavasya

Which festival is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya?

Diwali is celebrated on the night of Kartik Amavasya. The traditional observances include worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting lamps, distributing Prasada and performing charity.

Which deities are worshipped on Kartik Amavasya?

Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are the principal deities worshipped on this occasion. According to their family tradition, some devotees also worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati and Lord Kubera.

When should Lakshmi Puja be performed?

Lakshmi Puja is generally performed during an auspicious Muhurat available within Pradosha Kala on Kartik Amavasya. The exact time varies by city and year, so the local Panchang should be consulted.

Is fasting compulsory on Kartik Amavasya?

Fasting is not compulsory for everyone. Devotees may observe a fast, take fruits or follow a Sattvic diet according to their health and capacity and perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja in the evening.

What Naivedya may be offered during Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja?

Fruits, sweets, Kheel-Batashe, dry fruits or homemade Sattvic Prasada may be offered. The food should be prepared and presented with cleanliness and devotion.

Can an old Lakshmi-Ganesha Murti be worshipped?

Yes. A clean and undamaged older Murti or image may be worshipped with devotion. Purchasing a new Murti every year is not compulsory; family tradition may be followed.

Can ancestors be remembered on Kartik Amavasya?

Yes. Since it is an Amavasya Tithi, devotees may remember their ancestors, pray for them and perform charity in the morning. Formal Tarpana should be performed according to family tradition and, where appropriate, under the guidance of a qualified Acharya.

What is the principal message of Diwali Puja?

Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja reminds devotees that prosperity should be accompanied by wisdom, honesty, generosity and the responsible use of resources.