If Diwali Celebrates Lord Rama’s Return, Why Do We Worship Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Saraswati?

Every year, millions of diyas light up India as homes glow with joy and devotion during Diwali, the festival of lights. Traditionally, Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Yet, interestingly, most families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja on this very night, praying for prosperity and wisdom. So, if Diwali is meant to celebrate Rama’s homecoming, how did Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati become central figures in the celebration? The answer lies in the beautiful evolution of Hindu beliefs , where every story, symbol, and ritual carries a deeper spiritual meaning.

The Original Celebration: The Return of Lord Rama According to the Ramayana, the people of Ayodhya lit rows of lamps (diyas) to welcome Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana after their long exile. The light symbolized joy, purity, and the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). In the early Vedic and epic period, Diwali was largely associated with this event, a time to celebrate moral victory, family reunion, and the restoration of light in life.

The Arrival of Lakshmi: The Goddess of Prosperity

Centuries later, during the Puranic era, Diwali gained another divine association, with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. According to the Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean). It is said that this divine event took place on Amavasya (new moon night), the very night of Diwali.

Thus, this night came to be seen as the night of abundance, when the goddess visits homes that are pure, illuminated, and filled with devotion. People began performing Lakshmi Puja to invite prosperity into their homes, not just material wealth but also spiritual well-being.

Why Lord Ganesha Is Worshipped Alongside Lakshmi

No Hindu ritual begins without invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom. He represents clear thinking and the right intention, both essential to handle prosperity responsibly. Lakshmi symbolizes fortune, while Ganesha ensures stability and discernment in using that fortune wisely. In many depictions, the two deities are shown together, Lakshmi bestowing wealth, and Ganesha guarding it with wisdom. Their combined worship signifies a balanced life, where material success is guided by intellect and morality.

The Inclusion of Saraswati, The Goddess of Knowledge

In some regions, especially in western and southern India, Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, is also worshipped during the Diwali period. True prosperity is not just money or luck, it is also knowledge and learning, which bring lasting growth. Saraswati’s blessings ensure that wisdom accompanies wealth and that one’s success leads to enlightenment, not arrogance. The triad of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Saraswati thus represents complete prosperity, wealth (Lakshmi), wisdom (Saraswati), and auspicious beginnings (Ganesha).