In Hinduism, the festival of Diwali is considered a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and well-being. Celebrated annually on the *amavasya* (new moon) of the month of Kartik, preparations for this festival begin in homes well in advance. People decorate their houses and perform special prayers to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

According to religious beliefs, performing certain rituals on Diwali can bring happiness, prosperity, and wealth into one's home. In particular, measures related to one's safe (or *tijori*) are considered highly auspicious. It is believed that following these practices ensures the continued blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Let us learn from Pandit Anand Bhardwaj of Ujjain about the five items that should be kept in one's safe on Diwali.

When will Diwali be celebrated?
The *amavasya* tithi of the month of Kartik will begin at 11:27 AM on November 8th and continue until 12:31 PM on November 9th. Consequently, the festival of Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8th. The auspicious time (*muhurta*) for *Lakshmi Pujan* (worship of Goddess Lakshmi) will be from 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM.

Be sure to follow these 5 practices…
– Yellow *kaudi* (cowrie shells) are considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. If you offer these yellow *kaudi* to Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali and, after the prayers, wrap them in a red cloth and place them in your safe, it is believed that your safe will never remain empty throughout the year.

– On the day of Diwali, after worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Kuber (the deity of wealth), and Lord Ganesha, place silver coins in your safe. This is believed to bring financial gains.

– On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, writing 'Om' on a *peepal* leaf and placing it in your safe is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that doing this helps resolve financial troubles and ensures the continued blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

– Placing a stack of currency notes in your safe on the auspicious occasion of Diwali is considered very propitious. According to religious belief, this brings prosperity to the home and helps alleviate financial troubles.

– On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, place a coin, a betel nut, and some rose petals inside a red cloth. Offer this at the feet of Goddess Lakshmi and perform a ritualistic worship. Afterward, place this bundle in your safe (tijori). It is believed that doing so ensures the continued presence of happiness and prosperity in the home.

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