Diwali is an Indian festival celebrated with festivities and activities like decoration of home, feasting, lighting of firecrackers, shopping and much more. However, the festival is not only about these. What is important is the worship of the noteworthy deities who are deeply rooted in the Hindu religion and mythology. On this festival, people take part in rituals or puja to worship the gods and goddesses. They gather together to celebrate them.

 

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Traditions of Diwali

Specific Diwali rituals are performed for worshipping a specific deity. Many items are required in the accomplishment of the rituals. These Diwali items are of religious significance and the ritual cannot be complete without them.

Traditions of Diwali Puja Thali

Puja thali is a plate where materials used for the puja or ritual is kept. Among the materials include roli for tilak, akshat, bell, kalash, kalava, gold or silver coins, aarti-diya and flowers. The puja thali is all the more important in the Diwali festival where the goddess Lakshmi is the central character. Agarbatti, camphor, coconut, betel, betel leaves, sandalwood paste, candles, fruits, and silver or gold coins with the image Lakshmi, Ganesh, Om, Swastika or Shree can be also kept in the thali.

Diwali Puja Thali Designs

• Puja Thali with Kumkum

For this, a small to medium sized thali is needed. Two tablespoons of ghee is smeared across the surface of the thali. Kumkum or holy vermillion is then sprinkled over it. A swastika symbol is drawn at the center of the thali. When the kunkum has set, flower petals are spread on the surface. Diyas are arranged carefully in the thali. A bell, camphor, haldi and Prassad, and a handful of rice are added. The resulting creation is the used for performing the Lakshmi Puja, meant for the worship of the goddess Lakshmi.

• Puja Thali with Mirror Pieces

With this, a medium sized steel or bronze thali is used. A bright colored satin cloth is spread over the thali until the whole surface is covered. Red or orange cloth can be used. A lace is the glued around the rim of the thali. Oval shaped mirrors in different sizes are placed in the thali. An aromatic candle is also placed in the center. Candle should not be too small or too big for the thali. Handful of rice, kumkum, bell and Prasad are also placed in the thali. Extra precaution must be observed to avoid breakage of the mirrors due to improper handling.