Diwali
Step 1: The first step is to spread out a clean cloth where you wish to perform the puja, and create a bed of rice on it. Now, place the kalash on the bed of rice.
Step 2: Pour water in the kalash. Place a betel nut, flowers, a coin, and some rice inside, and arrange the aam patta around the opening. Also, place a thaali (plate) on the kalash. This is where Goddess Lakshmi will sit.
Step 3: You can decorate the thaali by painting a lotus with turmeric powder and placing coins on it.
Step 4: Lord Ganesha usually sits on the right of the kalash. You can also place the idols of Saraswathi alongside as this completes the three forms of Shakti – Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Durga.
Step 5: Sprinkle gangajal (or clean water) on all the items. It is important to keep the atmosphere clean and well-lit with lamps.
Step 6: You can now recite the mantras of Goddess Lakshmi. These are available in puja books or online.
Step 7: Make offerings of flowers, rice, garlands of marigolds, coconut, fruits, sweets, betel nuts, kumkum, sandalwood paste, and incense sticks during the puja.
Step 8: At the end of the puja, recite the Diwali puja aarti with the entire family and distribute the prasad..