🙏 FAQ: Fasting and Prayers During Diwali
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| Fasting and Prayers During Diwali – Lakshmi Puja Fasting Rituals |
❓1. Why do people fast during Diwali?
People fast during Diwali to purify their body and mind and to please Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
It’s believed that fasting removes negativity, brings inner peace, and attracts prosperity into one’s life.
❓2. When should the Diwali fast be observed?
The fast is usually observed on Lakshmi Puja day, the main day of Diwali.
Some devotees also fast on Ekadashi (two days before Diwali) or on Govardhan Puja, depending on family tradition.
❓3. What can we eat during Diwali fasting?
During Diwali fasting, devotees eat fruits, milk, nuts, sabudana (tapioca), potatoes, and food made with rock salt (sendha namak).
They avoid rice, wheat, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
❓4. What prayers are done on Diwali?
On Diwali, people perform Lakshmi Puja and Ganesh Puja.
Common mantras include:
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” (to seek wealth and peace)
“Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” (to remove obstacles)
❓5. Can we drink water during Diwali fasting?
Yes, most people drink water, milk, or fruit juice during Diwali fasting unless following a very strict nirjal (without water) fast.
It depends on personal devotion and health condition.
❓6. What is the spiritual benefit of fasting on Diwali?
Fasting helps cleanse the body and mind, reduces attachment to material things, and opens the heart to divine light.
It prepares devotees to receive the blessings of health, wealth, and happiness.
❓7. How long does the Diwali fast last?
The fast is generally observed from sunrise to after Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
After the puja, devotees break the fast by eating light vegetarian food or sweets offered to the Goddess.
❓8. Is fasting necessary for Lakshmi Puja?
Fasting is not mandatory, but it is highly auspicious.
Even a simple half-day fast or eating only fruits is considered beneficial for invoking Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
❓9. What should we do while fasting during Diwali?
Spend the day in a clean, peaceful environment, light diyas, meditate, chant mantras, and avoid negative thoughts or arguments.
The aim is to stay spiritually focused and grateful.
❓10. Can children and elders fast during Diwali?
Children, elderly people, and those with health issues can observe a light or symbolic fast by avoiding heavy or processed foods.
The main purpose is devotion, not physical hardship.