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Diwali 2021: How to perform Lakshmi Ganesha puja at home step-by-step, here’s everything you need to know!

Diwali, which is celebrated every year on the Amavasya of the Karthik month, will be celebrated today on November 4 this year.

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By: Kritika Bobal

Diwali is one of the auspicious Hindu festival that is celebrated with full zeal and zest. It is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the globe. It is also known as the ‘festival of lights’ because the word ‘Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means “rows of lighted lamps”. People lighten their houses, shops, offices, and public places with small oil lamps called diyas and fairy lights.

Diwali, which is celebrated every year on the Amavasya of the Karthik month, will be celebrated today on November 4 this year. The core purpose of Diwali is to bring wealth and happiness into the lives of millions of people.

Why do we celebrate Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?

Diwali is a festival dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi. The festival of lights signifies the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. In Indian tradition, it is said that Goddess Mahalakshmi visits every family during Diwali, bringing pots of prosperity, wealth, amongst many other blessings. Performing Lakshmi Ganesha puja on Diwali will help gain Goddess Mahalakshmi’s blessings and welcome success, happiness, prosperity, and abundance into the family.

Before we move on to how to celebrate Lakshmi Puja, it is extremely important to clean the house. Broom is considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi and this is the reason, it is worshipped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum. We must clean the house and purify with Gangajal which is considered the most important holy water in Indian tradition.

What all important items do you need to perform Lakshmi Ganesha Puja on Diwali?

The first thing you need is Goddess Lakshmi and Ganeshji’s idol. Make sure that the idol of Lakshmiji is in sitting posture with open palm mudra and coins flowing from the palm.

1 ghee diya lamp and 1 mustard lamp for Lakshmiji.

A handful of kamal gatta (lotus seed rosary), white supari, green coriander seeds, lahi, battasa, majishta, green unshelled moong dal, and puffed rice/poha.

1 copper or silver Kalash, mango leaves, unshelled coconut, glass with water and dipped mango leaf, roli thread, a garland of cotton beads, lotus flowers.

Seasonal fruits like banana, especially wood apple or sitaphal, loose flowers- rose petals, marigold, etc, sweets such as laddoo, pedha or some other (if you can, then petha is best for Lakshmiji).

Akshat- white rice mixed turmeric and red kumkum, panchamrit, and silver coins.

Read Also: Happy Chhoti Diwali 2021: Here are some wishes, messages, and greetings to share with your friends and families on WhatsApp

Following are the steps in which the puja can be performed:

Step 1: Before you start with the procedure of puja, sprinkle Gangajal all over the house and on all the members of the family as a mark of the purification.

Step 2: Set up a chauki (raised wooden platform) on which you’ll be doing the pooja. Then, put both white and red cloth over the platform and sprinkle it with grains. The white cloth represents Ganeshji and Navagraha Poojan, whereas the red cloth represents Lakshmiji.

Step 3: Fill three-fourth of a Kalash with water, then add coins, betel nuts, raisins, cloves, dry fruits, and cardamom. Now, on the top of the Kalash, place a full coconut, unshelled, with a Swastik made of kumkum and a vibrant roli thread wound around it. Put mango leaves under the coconut as well. Decorate the Kalash with kumkum and flowers and place it on the puja altar.

Step 4: Pure water, panchamrit, sandal water, and rose water should be used to bathe the idols. Then they are to be decorated with turmeric powder, sandal paste, and kumkum. Following that, garlands and flowers are placed around the idols.

Step 5: The Lakshmi puja begins with an offering to Ganesha, followed by an offering to Goddess Lakshmi. Offerings such as badasha, laddoos, betel leaves and nuts, dry fruits, coconut, sweets (made in the home’s kitchen), and some coins. Lamps and incense sticks are lit and flowers are offered while chanting the mantra.

Step 6: The story of the goddess Lakshmi, also known as Lakshmi’s Panchali, is recited by one of the family members and the rest of the family listens attentively. Flowers and sweets are presented to the Goddess’ idol at the end of the story.

Step 7: The puja is completed by singing the aarti song and waving the camphor lamp in front of the idol. Then the prayers for prosperity, success, and wealth are offered to the goddess, and sweets are consumed as Prasad.

Festivals

Where is Santa this Christmas Eve? Track his journey with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

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Santa tracking on Christmas Eve with NORAD and Google Santa Tracker

As Christmas Eve arrives, excitement fills the air for families worldwide, eager to track Santa’s magical journey across the globe. Thanks to modern technology, families can now follow Santa’s global trek in real time, a cherished tradition that has been made even more special by NORAD and Google Santa Tracker. These two platforms bring the joy of the season to life with live updates, interactive features, and educational content.

NORAD tracks Santa: A legacy of tracking Santa Claus

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa Claus since 1955, starting from a simple mix-up. A Sears department store advertisement listed the wrong phone number for Santa, leading a child to call the military command. When Air Force Commander Harry Shoup answered, he reassured the child, and thus, a global tradition was born. NORAD has since embraced cutting-edge radar and satellite technology to track Santa’s journey, with Rudolph’s glowing red nose marking his path through the night sky.

This year, NORAD’s Santa Tracker goes live on Christmas Eve at 6 a.m. ET, offering real-time updates on Santa’s location until 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day. Families can access the official NORAD Tracks Santa website, download the Santa Tracker app (available on both iOS and Android), or follow NORAD on social media. For a more personal touch, NORAD’s hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) is available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Christmas Day, offering families a chance to speak with volunteers about Santa’s journey.

Google Santa Tracker: Interactive fun for the whole family

Google’s Santa Tracker also offers a way to follow Santa’s travels in real time, but with a twist. In addition to tracking Santa, the platform features a variety of interactive experiences, including holiday games, videos, and educational content about Christmas traditions around the world. Google’s Santa Tracker provides a countdown to Christmas Eve and a chance to explore Santa’s Village, where families can engage in festive activities before tracking his journey.

How to track Santa this Christmas Eve

  • NORAD Tracks Santa: Visit noradsanta.org for live updates, videos, and interactive features. The website includes a countdown to Santa’s departure and real-time tracking of his global journey.
  • Google Santa Tracker: Head to santatracker.google.com to play games, watch videos, and track Santa in real time.

The tradition of tracking Santa

Tracking Santa has become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing joy and excitement to children and families around the world. Whether through NORAD’s precise tracking or Google’s interactive features, these services offer a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas. For over 65 years, NORAD’s Santa Tracker has allowed kids to track Santa as he makes his way across the globe, adding an extra layer of excitement to Christmas Eve. According to NORAD, its fighter jets have “intercepted Santa many, many times,” with pilots even tipping their wings to say, “Hello Santa. NORAD is tracking you again this year.”

How does Santa travel so Fast?

One of the most intriguing aspects of tracking Santa is how he manages to deliver presents to every corner of the globe in just one night. According to NORAD, Santa operates in a time-space continuum of his own. While it appears that Santa completes his journey in 24 hours, NORAD suggests that he experiences time differently. “Santa does not experience time the way we do,” says the agency. In Santa’s world, his trip could span days, weeks, or even months, making his speed and efficiency even more magical.

A global tradition of Christmas magic

This Christmas Eve, families can once again join in the holiday fun by tracking Santa’s extraordinary journey. Whether using NORAD’s detailed tracking system or exploring Google’s interactive features, the Christmas spirit comes alive in real-time. So, as you prepare for Christmas Day, don’t forget to check in and see where Santa is — it’s a joyful part of the holiday season!

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Festivals

Happy Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Eid Mubarak pictures, greetings, cards, quotes and images

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.

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The joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr is finally here as most of the Indian states are celebrating one of the most important Muslim festivals today on April 11 upon sighting of the crescent moon on April 10. Festivities are in air as Muslims gear up to celebrate the special occasion, eagerly anticipating the joyful reunions with family and friends, the delectable feasts shared with loved ones, and the heartfelt prayers offered in gratitude for the blessings of the past month.

Every Muslim household is decorated beautifully with lanterns, twinkling lights and flowers on this day with people dressing up in their best of clothes to meet relatives and friends and wish them Eid Mubarak! Not to mention the elaborate meal spread consisting of biryani, haleem, kebabs, sheer khurma, meethi sevaiyan that will be enjoyed with family, served to guests and also distributed to poor and needy. Children of the household receive Eidi, a gift or cash from elders in the family.

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Eid Mubarak Quotes

Let us be grateful to Allah for all the love, happiness, compassion and peace we receive throughout these challenging times. Eid Mubarak.

 Eid ul Adha is not only about sacrificing an animal before sacrificing, we have to put a knife on your pride, your selfishness, and your ego as well, and slater the animals living inside your heart, our brain, our thoughts and personality, so we can achieve the real meaning of Eid ul Adha, may Allah accept all our good deeds and sacrifice. Happy Eid.

Ask God all you need, Wish you a happy Eid

Let our religions unite us for human kindness rather than dividing us on what we believe. Eid Mubarak.

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Festivals

Happy Easter 2024: Political leaders extend greetings to nation for peace and unity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Easter on Sunday and expressed his hope that the message of renewal and optimism associated with the occasion would resonate widely.

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Easter also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. This Christian festival symbolises the victory of life over death .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of Easter on Sunday and expressed his hope that the message of renewal and optimism associated with the occasion would resonate widely. PM Modi took to X and posted that May this day inspire us all to come together, fostering unity and peace. He wished everyone a joyful Easter.

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted the people on Easter and highlighted the occasion of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, promotes the spirit of love, hope and universal fraternity. President Droupadi Murmu took to X and posted Easter greetings to all, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters! This pious occasion of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, promotes the spirit of love, hope, and universal fraternity. May the teachings of Jesus Christ lead us onto the path of peace and harmony.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X and wrote we extend our warmest greetings on the joyous occasion of Easter. The eternal significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection is that truth triumphs over evil and compassion overcomes hatred. May the festivities strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and fraternity amongst our people and herald a brighter future.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X and posted Happy Easter! As you celebrate Easter Sunday with your loved ones, may joy, peace, and hope illuminate the path ahead.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to X to extend greetings on Easter and wrote Greetings and best wishes to everyone on the joyous occasion of Easter. May this revered day bring new beginnings, hopes and harmony in your life.

Union Minister Kiren Rijju took to X and posted Happy and Blessed Easter to all! Wishing everyone peace, joy and unity.

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