How to Do Lakshmi Puja in the UK: A Step-by-Step Home Guide for Beginners

Wake up early and take a holy bath, clean your home, decorate with rangoli and lights, set up the puja altar, wear new clothes, gather all required samagri, and optionally observe a fast for a successful and auspicious celebration of Lakshmi Puja. Discover how to prepare with our step-by-step guide for beginners in the UK!

Introduction

Lakshmi Puja, a pivotal part of Diwali, is a time to honour Goddess Lakshmi and welcome prosperity into the home. For those in the UK, where finding traditional items may sometimes be challenging, preparing for Lakshmi Puja can seem daunting. This guide will walk you through each step, making it easy to perform a beautiful and heartfelt Lakshmi Puja right at home.

Step 1: Gather Essential Items for Lakshmi Puja

• Statue or Image of Goddess Lakshmi: Easily available at Indian stores or online UK-based suppliers.
• Puja Thali: Decorative plate to hold offerings; can be bought or crafted at home.
• Oil Lamps (Diyas): Traditional clay diyas are available at Indian shops or craft stores.
• Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Look for popular Indian brands online or at local ethnic shops.
• Fresh Flowers: Marigold and roses are traditional; however, use locally available flowers if needed.
• Fruits and Sweets: Opt for fresh fruits, and consider making or buying traditional sweets like ladoos, which are often available at Indian groceries in the UK.
• Rice, Kumkum (Red Powder), Haldi (Turmeric): Essential items for marking auspicious symbols.

Tip: Ordering these essentials ahead of time from UK-based Indian stores can save you last-minute rushes.

Step 2: Cleanse and Prepare Your Space

1. Clean and Declutter Your Home: Cleaning is a key part of preparing for Lakshmi Puja, as Goddess Lakshmi is said to bless tidy and welcoming homes. Focus especially on the living room and puja space.
2. Decorate with Rangoli and Diyas:
   • Rangoli: Draw a simple rangoli at your doorstep using chalk or coloured powder. For beginners, premade rangoli stencils are available in UK stores.
   • Diyas: Arrange clay or LED diyas around the house, especially near doors and windows.
3. Create the Puja Setup: Choose a quiet corner of your home for the puja setup. Place a clean cloth on a table, set the statue of Goddess Lakshmi, and arrange the puja thali with offerings nearby.

Step 3: Decoration Tips for a Festive Atmosphere

Decorating the home sets the tone for Lakshmi Puja. Here are some ideas:

• Flower Garlands: Use marigold or other fresh flowers to create garlands. If unavailable, artificial garlands from UK-based stores work just as well.
• Fairy Lights: String up LED fairy lights indoors and outdoors. These lights, available widely in the UK, add a festive glow.
• Scented Incense or Essential Oils: Choose floral or sandalwood scents to create a calm and divine atmosphere.

Step 4: Performing Lakshmi Puja – The Ceremony

1. Meditate and Start with a Prayer: Take a few moments to calm the mind. Light a diya and incense sticks to purify the surroundings.
2. Chanting and Invocations:
   • Offer a prayer to Lord Ganesha first, as he is the remover of obstacles.
   • Chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, such as "Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namah" for a peaceful atmosphere.
3. Offerings to Goddess Lakshmi:
   • Flowers: Offer fresh flowers or petals to the statue.
   • Fruits and Sweets: Place fruits and sweets in front of the deity, symbolising gratitude and abundance.
   • Rice, Haldi, and Kumkum: Use these to mark the statue and decorate the surroundings with symbols like swastikas, symbolising good luck.
4. Aarti: Perform the aarti with a lit diya, moving it in a circular motion while singing traditional aarti songs dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. You can find UK-accessible recordings or lyrics online if you’re unfamiliar with them.
5. Closing Prayers: Close the puja by thanking Goddess Lakshmi and praying for prosperity and peace. Distribute the prasad (offered sweets) among family members.

Step 5: Post-Puja Traditions

• Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad among family, friends, or neighbours.
• Charity: Many people donate to charity after Lakshmi Puja, symbolising spreading wealth and prosperity. This can be done locally or through UK-based charities.

Additional Tips for Lakshmi Puja in the UK

• Ordering Items Online: Consider reliable UK-based websites for puja essentials or items like ghee for diyas, puja thalis, and sweets, which might be challenging to find locally.
• Attending Community Events: Some UK temples offer Lakshmi Puja ceremonies for those who prefer community worship. Check with local temples for event details.
• Setting Up a Virtual Puja: For families separated by distance, consider setting up a virtual puja on video call, allowing loved ones to join in the celebration, even from afar.