Posted on : 5th October 2009
The best part of the Diwali festival is the customs and traditions associated with it. The diwali thali is the traditional pooja thali used for performing Laksmi pooja. The diwali thali is also used as a decorative plate for distributing sweets and gifts on the festival. Today there are many types of pooja thalis available in the market. The pooja thali can be of silver, copper, brass or simply steel. Decorated diwali thalis containing all the Diwali puja accessories can be purchased from the market. The essential ingredients in a Diwali Puja thali are as follows:

Rice: The rice is an essential ingredient in a diwali puja thali. It is generally referred as Akshat which means unbroken rice grains. These are offered to the Goddess Laksmi to gain wealth and prosperity. The usual mantra that is chanted during the puja while offering rice grains is "Akshtaashcha Surshreshtth Kumkumaaktaah Sushobhitaah. Mayaa Niveditaa Bhaktyaa Grihaann Parameshwar"

Kalalava or Mouli: This is a sacred cotton red thread roll used to tie around the wrist and also on the kalash on which the deity is placed with the mango leaves. An integral part of the puja, the thread is used as an offering of cloth to the deity.

Roli or Sindoor: This is the red color powder used for applying a 'tilak' on the forehead of the Deity and also for decorating the thali with varied religious symbols like a “Swastika” or an “Om”.

Sweets, Dry Fruits and Fruits: Various kind of dry fruits, fresh fruits and sweets are used as offerings in pooja thali.

Betel nut and Betel Leaf: The betel nut and betel leaf are an integral part of the ritualistic Diwali Pooja thali. The betel nut , also known as the supari, is symbolic of the nut of the ego that must be offered on the altar of God. The betel leaf symbolizing freshness and prosperity enjoys the pride of place among all the accessories of a traditional pooja thali.

Diyas, incense sticks and fresh flowers: A lighted Diwali diya is an essential part of the pooja thali. The fragrance of the incense stick and fresh flowers adds an aura to the entire atmosphere. The diya symbolises lighting up life and chasing away darkness.