Which Gods are Worshipped on Diwali & Why, the Significance Behind Puja Rituals

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyful and bright festivals for Hindus celebrated across India and the world. The festival is beyond the glowing diyas, sweets, and fireworks, but is a time of devotion, renewal, and expressing gratitude to the divine, which honours several deities, each representing unique spiritual values and blessings. 

The most important among them is Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is worshipped to invite abundance and happiness into homes. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is also revered at the start of every Diwali puja to ensure peace and success. In some regions, Lord Rama is worshipped to honour his return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Goddess Kali and Lord Vishnu are also honoured in different traditions for their roles in protecting the universe from darkness and negativity.

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The Gods of Diwali: A complete list

Diwali celebrations vary with different geographies, and each state worships a different deity, along with varying rituals involved. Here are some of the most celebrated Gods and Goddesses during Diwali:

Goddess Lakshmi- The goddess who provides wealth & prosperity 

Lakshmi Puja, the most important ritual of Diwali, is celebrated to honour Goddess Lakshmi, who is also the charming embodiment of wealth and prosperity. As per legend, she emerged during the ocean churning (Samudra Manthan), bringing fortune and abundance to the world. Another legend connects her worship with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, when people illuminated their homes to welcome both Rama and Lakshmi, symbolising joy and prosperity.

During Lakshmi Puja, devotees clean their homes, light lamps, and offer sweets, flowers, and coins while chanting mantras. The ritual signifies the invitation of purity, positivity, and financial well-being into one’s life. Open doors and glowing diyas guide the goddess into homes, blessing families with happiness and success. This sacred worship reminds everyone that true wealth lies not only in material riches but also in spiritual peace and harmony.

Lord Ganesha- One who removes all obstacles 

On Diwali, Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi, the gods of wisdom and wealth. According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi once expressed her desire to experience motherhood, and Goddess Parvati offered her one of her sons, Lord Ganesha, promising that he would always be worshipped with Lakshmi. Since then, the Ganesh Lakshmi Puja has become an essential part of Diwali rituals. It is believed that no auspicious ceremony can begin without invoking Lord Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles and the God of Wisdom. His presence ensures success, clarity, and the smooth completion of tasks. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on Diwali removes negativity and paves the way for Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings of wealth and prosperity. Thus, the joint worship of Lakshmi and Ganesha represents a complete form of happiness, both spiritual wisdom and material abundance.

Lord Rama- Symbol of dharma and the victory of good over evil 

One of the most revered deities worshipped on Diwali is Lord Rama, the ideal of morality and righteousness. According to the Lord Rama Diwali story, this festival marks his glorious return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana, as described in the Ramayana. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire city with oil lamps to welcome their beloved king, showing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Devotees celebrate this day by lighting diyas, performing puja, and narrating episodes from the Ramayana, reflecting on Lord Rama’s ideals of dharma, courage, and devotion. His return represents not only triumph but also the reunion of family and the restoration of harmony, reminding all that righteousness ultimately prevails.

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Goddess Kali- The fierce protector (Eastern India) 

In Eastern India, especially in Bengal, Kali Puja is celebrated on the same night as Diwali, marking a unique and powerful aspect of the festival. Instead of Goddess Lakshmi, Bengalis worship Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Shakti, representing power, protection, and the destruction of evil. According to legend, when demons threatened peace, Kali emerged from Goddess Durga’s forehead to restore balance. Drunk with rage after slaying the demons, she danced uncontrollably until Lord Shiva calmed her by lying in her path. This act reflects the triumph of divine energy over chaos. During Kali Puja, devotees offer red hibiscus, sweets, rice, and chant mantras seeking her blessings for strength, courage, and protection from negativity. The night glows with lamps and tantric rituals, blending devotion with mysticism, making Diwali in Bengal a celebration of divine power and spiritual awakening.

Other deities on Diwali 

Lord Kubera- The god of wealth and treasures 

Lord Kubera, the treasurer, is worshipped during Diwali for financial stability and abundance. Alongside Goddess Lakshmi, he represents prosperity and material well-being. Kubera Puja is performed to invite wealth, success, and security into one’s life, reinforcing the belief that divine blessings bring lasting prosperity.

Lord Krishna and Govardhan Puja (Day After Diwali)

Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, honours Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Lord Indra’s fury. This festival reflects gratitude to nature and the protection of dharma. Devotees offer Annakut (a mountain of food) to thank nature for its reward and seek blessings for prosperity.

Conclusion 

Diwali is not just about worshipping one god but celebrating divine virtues that guide life, wealth from Goddess Lakshmi, wisdom from Lord Ganesha, protection from Goddess Kali, and righteousness from Lord Rama. This festival shows the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. As the lamps light up our homes, let divine blessings illuminate our hearts.

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