At the time of Diwali pooja, people make offerings to the Agni Devta, the Lord of fire. It is a way of offering the food, specially prepared on the Diwali festivity, to the deities. Diwali puja basically consists of sixteen steps, in which each step represents a ceremony that should be performed by a Hindu during his lifetime like
welcoming the deities,
providing them a place to sit, washing their feet, offering food and
clothing to them and seeking their divine blessings. The offerings also include fresh scented flowers and various kinds of herbs. The other things associated with the Deepawali Lakshmi Ganesh pujan are singing of songs, chanting, ringing of bells and blowing of conch shells. To ward off the evil spirits, tiny lamps made from clay, more commonly known as diyas, are lit. It also serves as a means of expressing self enlightenment.
After the puja is over, sweets are offered to the Goddess as 'Naivedya'. It is then distributed in the form of 'Prasad' to the people. It is followed by the exchanging of gifts and greeting cards. Yummy feast is served to all. People visit their friends and relatives to wish them Happy Diwali.
