Introduction:
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India and other parts of the world. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, people worship different deities, and one of the main goddesses worshipped during this festival is Goddess Lakshmi.

Goddess Lakshmi:
Goddess Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. She is believed to bring good luck and blessings to her devotees. Lakshmi is the wife of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal Hindu deities. She is depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms, holding lotus flowers and showering gold coins. Lakshmi is often associated with material and spiritual wealth, and her worship is considered essential during Diwali.

Significance of Worshipping Lakshmi during Diwali:
1. Welcoming Prosperity: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali is believed to invite wealth, prosperity, and abundance into one's life. Lakshmi is considered the divine embodiment of fortune and blessings.

2. Cleansing and Purification: Diwali is also a time for cleaning and decluttering homes. It is believed that by cleaning the house and making it neat and tidy, devotees create a welcoming space for Goddess Lakshmi to enter and bless their homes.

3. Lighting Diyas: Lighting oil lamps or diyas is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. This practice is done to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and to welcome the goddess into homes. It is believed that the light of the diyas guides Lakshmi towards devotees.

4. Offering Prayers and Puja: Devotees perform special prayers, pujas, and rituals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali. These rituals involve offering flowers, incense, sweets, and other items to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.

5. Seeking Financial Prosperity: Worshipping Lakshmi during Diwali is considered auspicious for business owners and those seeking financial prosperity. It is believed that her blessings can bring success, growth, and abundance in one's professional and financial endeavors.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Diwali to seek her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Her worship is an integral part of the festival, and devotees believe that by honoring her, they can invite prosperity and good luck into their lives.

Which god/goddess is worshipped in Diwali?
The god/goddess worshipped in Diwali is Laxmi.
Explanation:
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by millions of people worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During Diwali, people light oil lamps, decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and participate in various religious rituals.
The primary deity worshipped during Diwali is the goddess Laxmi, who is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Laxmi is believed to bring prosperity and abundance into households and businesses. Worshipping Laxmi during Diwali is considered auspicious and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
Here are some key points about Laxmi and her significance in Diwali:
- Laxmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu, one of the primary gods in Hinduism.
- She is depicted as a beautiful woman with four hands, sitting or standing on a lotus flower.
- Laxmi is associated with wealth, prosperity, beauty, and fertility.
- People worship Laxmi during Diwali to seek her blessings for abundance and prosperity in their lives.
- Devotees clean their homes and decorate them with flowers, rangoli (colorful patterns), and lights to welcome the goddess.
- They perform prayers, offer sweets, fruits, and flowers to Laxmi, and light candles or oil lamps to illuminate their homes.
- It is believed that Laxmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and filled with positive energy.
- The festival of Diwali is also associated with the story of Laxmi's birth when she emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean.
- Besides Laxmi, other deities such as Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, are also worshipped during Diwali.
In conclusion, the goddess Laxmi is worshipped during Diwali for blessings of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Her presence is believed to bring happiness, abundance, and success into the lives of devotees.