Jai Maa Mahalakshmi

After Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja is the most important festival coming up in the month of October. Lakshmi is the Goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. On the full moon night following Dusshera or Durga Puja, Hindus worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite neighbors to attend the puja. It is believed that on this full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. Lakshmi puja is celebrated five days after Mahadashami on full moon. On this day the people worship the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Idols of the goddess are installed in the same pandals made for Durga puja. The night, being a bright full moon with pleasant climate, is usually spent in the open chanting mantras. As Lakshmi Puja falls on the dark night of Amabasya tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits in the evening. Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to the Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. Goddess Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu families. Although she is worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi's special month. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks through the green fields and loiters through the bye-lanes and showers her blessings on people for plenty and prosperity.