Why is Lakṣmī worshipped together with Gaṇeśa on Dīpāvalī?

Gaṇeśa brings wisdom and removes obstacles, Lakṣmī brings prosperity — together they mean wealth that comes rightly and is used wisely.

On Dīpāvalī Amāvasyā, homes and businesses worship Lakṣmī and Gaṇeśa side by side, often with Sarasvatī and Kubera too, and traders open new account books (cōpḍā pūjan). Gaṇeśa comes first as in every pūjā; beyond that, the pairing carries a lesson — prosperity without wisdom does not last, and wisdom guides how wealth is earned and spent.

In many homes Lakṣmī is placed to the right of Gaṇeśa (from their own point of view), and new idols or a silver coin are bought on Dhanteras for the pūjā. The worship is done in the evening in the pradoṣa or sthira-lagna muhūrta: kalaśa, lamps, kuṅkuma, flowers, kheel-batāśe, sweets and the family’s ledger or wallet.

Afterwards lamps are placed throughout the house so that light reaches every corner. Arrangements differ by region and family; follow what your elders do.

Kārtika Amāvasyā, evening muhūrta · Source: common household and trading tradition

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