Why Broom Sticks Are Worshipped on the Eve of Diwali

India’s festivals are filled with deep symbolism, blending spirituality, tradition, and everyday life. Among these celebrations, Diwali stands out as a festival that represents the victory of light over darkness and prosperity over poverty. While lights, sweets, and fireworks dominate the festivities, one unique ritual often surprises many — the worship of broomsticks on the eve of Diwali.
This seemingly simple household object holds immense spiritual and cultural value, particularly among devotees who associate it with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and purity.

The Spiritual Significance of Lakshmi Puja and Broom

During Diwali, households across India perform Lakshmi Puja, inviting the goddess of fortune to bless their homes with prosperity and happiness. The broom, often overlooked in daily life, plays a special role in this ritual.
In Hindu belief, the broom symbolizes cleanliness, discipline, and humility — virtues that please Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that Lakshmi resides in cleanliness, and by keeping the surroundings spotless, one creates a welcoming environment for her presence.

According to tradition, on the night of Lakshmi Puja, many families place a new broom in their home temple, applying turmeric and vermilion to it, treating it as sacred. This act is not just symbolic but also a reminder that wealth and good fortune thrive where there is order and cleanliness.

Understanding Diwali Traditions in India

Diwali traditions in India vary from region to region, reflecting the country’s diversity and deep-rooted beliefs. In northern India, the festival marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, while in southern states, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura. In western India, it signifies Lord Vishnu’s victory over the demon Bali.

Beyond mythological tales, the celebration carries a common message — to remove darkness and invite light into one’s life, both literally and spiritually. On Chhoti Diwali, the day before the main festival, people clean their homes, paint walls, decorate entrances with rangolis, and discard unused or broken items to make way for positive energy.
It is on this evening that the broom becomes a sacred tool of transformation — symbolizing the sweeping away of negativity and the preparation for Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival.

From rural villages to urban homes, the act of cleaning and decorating isn’t just a household chore; it’s a devotional act that binds families together. Lamps, diyas, and incense purify the environment, and the ritual of broom worship completes the circle of devotion, purity, and prosperity.

Symbolism and Cultural Importance of Broom Worship on Diwali

The ritual of broom worship on Diwali carries several layers of meaning. It is not merely a religious act but also a lesson in gratitude and mindfulness. The broom, which quietly serves us every day, cleaning the dust and dirt of our lives, is honored as a divine instrument during this sacred time.

In Vedic philosophy, every object is considered sacred when used with awareness and respect. The broom, though simple, becomes a symbol of humility and service. On Diwali eve, when families light lamps and prepare for Lakshmi’s arrival, they also remember that wealth and blessings come to those who respect even the smallest tools of daily life.

The ritual usually involves decorating the broom with red threads or ribbons, applying sindoor (vermillion), and placing it near the threshold of the home or puja area. Some people even keep the new broom untouched for a few days, using it only after the festival as a mark of purity and auspicious beginnings.

Historical and Mythological References

Though the exact origin of broom worship isn’t explicitly mentioned in ancient texts, references to cleanliness and order as divine virtues are abundant in Hindu scriptures. The Garuda Purana and Padma Purana emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean and pure environment to invite divine energies.

According to folklore, Goddess Lakshmi once visited a poor woman’s house that was sparkling clean and free of dust. Impressed by her devotion and cleanliness, the goddess blessed her with unending prosperity. Since then, the broom has been associated with Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings, and devotees continue to worship it during Diwali as a symbol of inviting wealth and happiness.

Modern Relevance of the Broom Ritual

In contemporary times, the tradition of broom worship still holds deep emotional and cultural relevance. It reminds people to maintain cleanliness, not just physically but also mentally and spiritually.

In an era where sustainability and cleanliness are global concerns, this ancient practice aligns perfectly with modern values. The broom, made from natural materials, represents eco-friendliness and the idea of staying connected to one’s roots. It is a gentle reminder that progress and prosperity come hand in hand with respect for tradition and nature.

Best Time to Perform Broom Worship on Diwali Eve

Broom worship is traditionally performed on Chhoti Diwali, a day before the main Lakshmi Puja. The evening hours, usually between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, are considered most auspicious for performing this ritual. During this time, homes are decorated, lamps are lit, and prayers are offered for harmony and abundance.

Devotees clean every corner of the house before performing the ritual. The new broom is placed facing north or east — directions associated with prosperity and growth — and a small diya is lit near it to honor the goddess of wealth.

Essential Tips for Broom Worship and Diwali Preparation

1. Buy a New Broom: Always use a new broom for the ritual. The old one should be respectfully discarded before sunset.

2. Decorate with Care: Tie a red thread or ribbon around the broom handle and apply a tilak of turmeric and sindoor.

3. Offer Flowers and Diyas: Place marigold flowers and a lit lamp beside the broom to invite divine blessings.

4. Avoid Using the Broom After the Ritual: Once the worship is complete, avoid using the broom until the next morning to maintain its sanctity.

5. Cleanliness First: Before any Diwali puja, ensure every corner of your home is spotless — as cleanliness itself is a form of devotion.

Other Regional Beliefs Related to the Broom

• In Maharashtra, the broom is considered the seat of Goddess Shitala, protector against diseases.

• In West Bengal, it is associated with the household goddess Lakshmi and the idea of maintaining order.

• In South India, people believe that sweeping the house after sunset may drive away good fortune, hence the ritual is carefully timed during daylight.

• In North India, people decorate the broom with flowers and offer sweets after the puja, symbolizing gratitude for prosperity.

Why This Tradition Matters Today

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the values behind age-old rituals. Worshipping the broom on Diwali eve may seem like a simple act, but it carries timeless lessons — respect for labor, cleanliness, humility, and gratitude.

It reminds us that prosperity does not come merely from wealth but from balance, order, and reverence toward the tools that sustain our lives. The broom, in its silence, teaches us that small acts of care and cleanliness invite immense blessings.

Final Thoughts

The worship of broomsticks on Diwali eve is a beautiful blend of symbolism and spirituality. It’s a tradition that speaks to the heart of Indian culture — where even the humblest objects are seen as sacred.
By understanding and embracing these customs, we not only preserve our cultural identity but also nurture a sense of mindfulness and gratitude in daily life.

So, this Diwali, when you light your diyas and perform your puja, remember to honor the humble broom — the silent bearer of cleanliness, positivity, and prosperity.

FAQs: Why Broom Sticks Are Worshipped on the Eve of Diwali

Q1. Why is the broom considered sacred on Diwali?
The broom is believed to represent cleanliness and order, which are essential for inviting Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings during Diwali.

Q2. When should the broom worship be performed?
The ritual is usually done on Chhoti Diwali evening before Lakshmi Puja, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Q3. Can we use the broom immediately after worship?
No. The broom should not be used until the next morning as it’s considered sacred after the puja.

Q4. Why is cleanliness so important during Diwali?
Cleanliness symbolizes purity and readiness to welcome positive energy and prosperity, aligning with the festival’s spiritual essence.

Q5. Is broom worship performed all over India?
Yes, though practices differ by region, the symbolism of honoring the broom as a sacred tool remains universal across India.