Toshali Sands :: Lakshmi Puja (Sept-Oct)

Observed with much pomp and ceremony in Dhenkanal town, Lakshmi Puja commences from the full moon day of Aswin and continues for a period of one week.

On this very day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an amavasya day it is regarded as the most auspicious.

Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum. Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up Her path.