As households across West Bengal prepare to welcome Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, one of the most familiar sights ahead of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is the intricate white alpana adorning doorways, courtyards and puja rooms.
Drawn by hand, these delicate patterns are more than festive decorations — they are an expression of devotion, tradition and the hope for abundance in the year ahead.
Traditionally made using a paste of rice flour and water, alpana is an integral part of Bengali rituals. The designs are often created freehand, using fingers or a small piece of cloth dipped in the paste. While the classic white patterns remain a favourite, contemporary interpretations sometimes incorporate colours like red or blue, bolder outlines and more elaborate compositions.
From the familiar footprints of the goddess to lotus flowers and intricate patterns, here are some alpana designs to consider for your home this Lakshmi Puja.
‘Lokkhir pa’: Welcoming the goddess home
Perhaps the most recognisable Lakshmi Puja alpana motif is a pair of tiny footprints representing the arrival of the goddess. Often drawn in a trail leading from the entrance towards the puja room, the footprints symbolise welcoming Maa Lakshmi into the home. For a traditional look, keep the footprints simple and white against a clean floor. Those looking to add a personal touch can frame them with a floral border or place them within a circular alpana.
The lotus motif
The lotus is a recurring element in alpana designs associated with Lakshmi Puja. Often linked with the goddess, the flower lends itself to both elaborate floor art and simpler patterns that can be drawn in a few strokes.
Circular alpanas and mandala-inspired designs
For those who enjoy intricate patterns, a circular alpana can make an elegant centrepiece in the courtyard or before the puja altar. Begin with a small circle and build outwards using petals, dots, curved lines and repeating geometric shapes.
Floral vines and traditional borders
Not every alpana needs to be a large, elaborate composition. Delicate vines, leaves, buds and flowers or even simple geometric patterns can be used to decorate doorsteps, the edges of courtyards or the space around the puja room. Repeating a simple motif along a border can make even a small area look festive.
Conch-shaped alpanas
The conch shell, or shankha, is an auspicious symbol in Bengali Hindu households. Conch-shaped alpanas therefore make for a meaningful addition to Lakshmi Puja decorations. These designs can feature a simple curved outline or more elaborate details, such as concentric lines, floral patterns and tiny dots. They can be placed near the entrance, beside the puja altar or incorporated into a larger alpana alongside lotus flowers and the feet of the goddess.