Narak Chaturdashi, Laxmi Puja prompt close-knit celebrations

Pune: People are ready to celebrate Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali in a traditional manner on Saturday, with good food and family get-togethers on the cards. With both occasions on the same day, Punekars are gearing up for double festivities through the day.
According to Pandit Raviraj Kshirsagar, the auspicious muhurat for Narak Chaturdashi naivedyam is between 8.11am and 9.25am.Pandit Amol Mulay said, “The day starts with an Abhyangsnan before sunrise followed by puja and naivedyam.”
Home-maker Seema Mehta shared that Narak Chaturdashi calls for not just rituals but also a sumptuous meal. “The ladies from the family wake up early to have a bath using a special ubtan and aromatic oils. We then light diyas or lamps in the house. This is followed by preparing sweets and savouries to offer during the prayers. Once the naivedyam is offered, the family enjoys the special meal together.”
Mehta stated that generally, the rituals for Narak Chaturdashi are over by lunch time. “However, this year, we will start preparing for Laxmi Puja as soon as we finish lunch. The men from the family will go out to get fresh account books and other puja paraphernalia while the women will prepare offerings. We conduct Laxmi Puja at our office and the entire family attends the ceremony,” she explained.
Pandit Kshirsagar stated that the auspicious timing for Laxmi Puja is between 5.58pm and 8.18pm on Saturday. “Ten forms of Laxmi are worshipped on the occasion of Laxmi Puja or Diwali. People offer prayers to currency notes, coins, precious metal, account books and other objects related to their trade or profession to seek prosperity,” explained Pandit Mulay.
Another city-based homemaker Radha Thorat said, “After Laxmi Puja at the office, our staff would burst firecrackers but, this year, we have decided to distribute the amount we would spend on firecrackers among our staff members given the current pandemic situation. We have also decided not to visit our friends and extended family to greet them for the festival this year.”