<p> Lakshmi Havan for a Renovated House</p><p>We did a Lakshmi Pooja when I went to India last summer because my grandma renovated her house. We invited all my family friends, my other grandma and grandpa, my uncle and my aunty. We even talked to my cousins on google video. That way my cousins could participate from U.S.A. We woke up early to get ready on time. We had a priest come to tell us what to do. My mom made the rangoli. I helped my mom make the rangoli. We had to put ghee as the fuel for the fire for Yajna. We also used samidh to offer during the Yajna. The flames were very vibrant, bright, and orange. That is also the color of our guru “Bhagwa Dhwaj” in shakha. We even did meditation for a few minutes. The priest gave us holy water. The priest tied thread around our wrist to protect us from evil. We used many different kinds of grains such as rice, wheat and moong as offering. We made laddu, halwa and fruits for prasad. During the Yagna we chanted “Shakradaya Stuti” in which we pray to MataJi (Goddesses) for well being of the society. After the Yajna was over we took a lamp around the house and prayed for good wishes. After the pooja we did pranam to all our elders and then we had our lunch. Then after that, I played with my friends. We tried to build a car, we played cards and we drank Tang. This was a great experience for me that I will remember forever. I still remember the mantra for Lakshmi Devi: Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Lakshi Rupen Sansthita.. Namastasyei Namastasyei Namastasyei Namo Namah</p><p>Arnav Mankad – 7 Years Shrewsbury MA 1st Grade – Shrewsbury Montessori School Saraswati Shakha Westborough MA</p>