2012 Diwali festival dates and Lakshmi puja times

The festival of Diwali is the most popular festival in India, celebrated across most communities. It incorporates a joyous fervour and happiness that is enjoyed by families and friends. In fact, in the contemporary world of time-clocked schedules, Diwali provides for one of those rare occasions  when families get together to shop, eat and spend maximum time with one another. More so because it is not just a one or two day festival but is spread over five days in a year.

While Goddess Lakshmi is considered to be the most important deity during the Diwali festival, actually people worship a trinity of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Lord Ganesha is worshipped to gain wisdom, Goddess Lakshmi to become rich and Goddess Saraswati to become learned. You are thereby removing folly, poverty and ignorance.
2012 Five Days of Diwali 
Two aspects of Diwali coincide on the same day & hence this year the important pujas of the Diwali festival actually encompass 4 days.

Day 1: November 11th: Dhanteras marks the very first day of Diwali with firecrackers being set off in the early hours of morning and the doors of homes & offices gaily decorated with fresh flowers & leaves buntings (torans).

Day 2: November 12th: This year, there is no unique aspect of Diwali on  this date.

Day 3: November 13th: Both Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja are on this date. While Narak Chaturdashi is a celebration of the defeat of the demon Narakasur by Lord Krishna, Lakshmi Puja is the worship of the Goddess of wealth.
2012 Lakshmi Puja time: 5.59p.m. to 8.33p.m.
Learn: How to do a simple Lakshmi puja at home

Know: Mahalakshmi aarti for Lakshmi puja

Goddess Lakshmi

Early in the morning, one can do the abhyang snan (at 5.52a.m.).
Find out more: Diwali Abhyanga Snaan materials & procedure

Businessmen perform chopdi puja too to invoke blessings of Goddess Lakshmi: Chopdi puja rituals and traditions

Day 4: November 14th: Diwali Paadva is the New Year and Govardhan Puja is performed on this day.
Learn more: Diwali Paadva Govardhan Puja traditions

Day 5: November 15th: Bhau Bheej is the day when sisters pray for the safety of their brothers and receive gifts from their brothers.
Learn more: Bhau-Bheej Tikka ceremony procedure

Wishing all of you a Happy & Prosperous Diwali!