Last updated on December 9th, 2023 at 03:59 pm
For Hindus, the festival of Diwali is the most important of the year. It is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. If you’re new to Diwali, here are a few dos and don’ts to help you celebrate the festival correctly.
Dos for Diwali Puja
- Clean the house and premises before the puja
- Decorate with rangoli and lights
- Gather puja items such as flowers, fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps
- Place the idols or photos of gods and goddesses to be worshipped
- Follow the traditional guidelines for performing a Hindu puja.
- Dress in traditional clothing, if possible.
- Use a puja kit, which can be purchased or made at home.
- Clean the area where the puja will be performed.
- Prepare the offerings for the puja.
- Follow the correct order of rituals.
- Chant the mantras correctly.
- Thank the gods after the puja is complete.
Don’ts for Diwali Puja
Diwali is a time of celebration, and for many Hindus, it is a time for puja, or prayer. There are a few things to keep in mind when performing a puja during Diwali, though, to ensure that you are following all the correct rituals. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Do not perform a puja if you are not familiar with the rituals.
- Do not eat meat or drink alcohol during the puja.
- Do not use vulgar language or gestures during the puja.
- Do not rush through the puja.
- Don’t disrespect the gods or goddesses.
- Don’t speak or laugh too loudly during the puja.
- Do not perform the puja in a hurry.
- Don’t leave the puja area uncleaned.
Tips for First-Timers
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the major festivals in India. It is celebrated in autumn, typically in October or November, depending on the Hindu calendar. Diwali is also a major shopping season in India, and it is customary to buy new clothes and gifts for family and friends.
For first-time Diwali puja attendees, the following tips may be helpful:
- Dress conservatively and respectfully. Hindus come from a variety of religious backgrounds, so there is no one “right” way to dress for Diwali. However, it is generally recommended to dress conservatively and respectfully, avoiding revealing clothing or shorts.
- Bring an offering. An offering, known as a puja, is a traditional part of Hindu worship. It can be any small item, such as a flower, a fruit, or a sweet. If you are unsure what to bring, ask a friend or family member.
- Do not eat meat. Hindus do not eat meat or poultry on religious holidays, so it is best to avoid eating meat or bringing any meat-based dishes to the puja.
- Be prepared to clean. Pujas involve a lot of ritual cleaning, so be prepared to help clean up any messes you may make.
- Do not touch the idols. Hindus believe that it is disrespectful to touch the idols of the gods and goddesses, so do not touch them or try to move them.
- Be respectful. Hinduism is a deeply religious tradition,
