Sandalwood fragrance, firecrackers, puja, gatherings, highlight of Laxmi Pujan

November 13, 2023

Pune: The age-old tradition of an early morning bath is an essential part of Diwali celebrations. In many Maharashtrian households, the festive spirit is heightened by bathing in sandalwood, which signifies the beginning of Diwali. However, in recent times, the practice of making ‘utna’ (ubtan)

at home has become rare, and people often opt for ready-to-use packets.

The fragrance of sandalwood is closely linked to the festival. On Sunday, numerous devotees, adorned in their finest festive attire, flocked to Laxmi temples, while others celebrated the occasion at home with their loved ones. A few people invited some of their colleagues who couldn’t go home for Diwali to her house.

The entire day is spent playing games like UNO and indulging in eating sweets and faral.

Meanwhile, people from different communities participated in various religious rituals to seek the blessings of Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Some prefer to make new investments.

Chopda Puja is a significant celebration in numerous Gujarati households. During the puja, businesspersons keep new ledgers and offer prayers for profitable outcomes in the upcoming year. Additionally, many individuals also include their laptops or bundles of cash in the puja ritual.