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During Diwali Puja, five pieces of ghee diyas are lit before the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and offerings of sweets are also made to the gods. Cattle are also worshipped in the villages as cattle are regarded to be the incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi.
At the time of Diwali Pooja, offerings are made to the fire or Agni devta by placing the deity on a platform, washing his feet, decorating him with kesar and vermilion mark and offering him the food items, clothing and money for seeking his blessings. Some flowers are also used at the time of Diwali Puja and even some Jhal/Phaag, which is a mixture of milk, ghee, honey and spices.
The Diwali Puja is also accompanied by lighting of hundreds of lights and diyas. These diyas are lit to drive away the dark shadows of evil spirits. This is followed by bursting of crackers and having delicious feasts, along with exchange of gifts and presents. Another famous custom associated with Diwali Pooja is that of gambling and that too on a large scale. There is a legend behind this custom according to which on this day Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva and declared that whoever gambles on this particular day of Diwali Pooja would gain wealth and prosperity.





