The Festival of Light, Diwali, is also known as the Festival of Wealth. Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber are the three main gods of wealth. It is said that one who gets the blessings of these gods is sure to remain happy and prosperous all life. No wonder, people worship these gods – especially on the occasion of Diwali – and propitiate them to get their blessings.      

Lakshmi – The Goddess of Wealth
The Hindu goddess of prosperity, light, knowledge, luck, fertility, kindness and courage Lakshmi is the wife of Vishnu. She wedded Rama as Sita and Krishna as Radha, and later on Rukmini. Lakshmi also represents beauty, elegance and charm.

Mahalakshmi makes her devotees lucky and gives them protection them from all types of troubles and money-related woes. The Vedas describe Mahalakshmi as Lakshyayidhi Lakshmihi which implies that she is the one who has the goal of enriching humanity. Goddess Mahalakshmi is also known as Shri or Thirumagal, the reason being she is gifted with six lucky and heavenly attributes or Gunas, and also because she gives power and strength to even the
Master of the Universe – Lord Narayana.

Ganesha – The God of Intellect & Wisdom
One of the most famous and the most worshipped Hindu gods, the elephant headed Ganesha – also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh – is also called Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar. His icons and statues are found across India, Nepal and many other nations where Hindus reside. All Hindus, especially those involved with any kind of business activity, worship him.

Although the god is known by several other characteristics, his elephant head makes him pretty easy to identify. Ganesha is considered the Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of Beginnings, Patron of Arts and Sciences, and also the God of Intellect and Wisdom. No Hindu ritual or ceremony is considered complete until and unless the god has suitably been worshipped. Actually, his name is evoked to make all events or occasions auspicious.

Kuber – The Lord of Wealth
The Lord of wealth and the god-king of the semi-divine Yakshas in Hindu mythology, Kubera (also spelt Kuber), is looked upon as the regent of the North (Dik-pala), and as the one who protects the world (Lokapala). He is believed to be the owner of the treasures of the whole world.  He is also worshipped as the god of many semi-divine species. Kubera is usually shown as a bejeweled fat man who carries a money-pot or money-bag and a club. Kubera received the status of a Deva (God) in the Puranas and the Hindu epics. Formerly, Vedic-era texts described him as the leader of evil spirits.

Lakshmi Mantra for Lakshmi Maa Puja (THE MAHALAXMI AARTI)
Om Jai Laxmi Mata, Maiya JaiLaxmi Mata,
Tumko nis din sevat, Hari, Vishnu Data
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Uma Rama Brahmaani, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Maiya, Tum ho Jag Mata,
Surya ChanraMa dhyaavat, Naarad Rishi gaata.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Durga Roop Niranjani, Sukh Sampati Data,
Maiya Sukh Sampati Data
Jo koyee tumko dhyaataa, Ridhee Sidhee dhan paataa
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Jis ghar mein tu rehtee, sab sukh guna aataa,
Maiya sab sukh guna aataa,
Taap paap mit jaataa, Man naheen ghabraataa.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata

Dhoop Deep phal meva, Ma sweekaar karo,
Maiya Ma sweekaar karo,
Gyaan prakaash karo Ma, Moha agyaan haro.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

Maha Laxmiji ki Aarti, nis din jo gaavey
Maiya nis din jo gaavey,
Dukh jaavey, sukh aavey, Ati aananda paavey.
Om Jai Laxmi Mata.

There are many interesting (mostly religious) stories behind the history and origin of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and these are the well-known ones:

The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya
Lord Rama -- the son of Dashratha (the King of Ayodhya) -- was banished by his father from the kingdom along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman for a period of 14 years. Being an obedient son Lord Rama left Ayodhya and went to the jungles. During this period of exile, he defeated and killed the Ravana -- the demon king of Lanka who had kidnapped Sita. After this great victory of good (symbolized by Ram) over evil (symbolized by Ravana), Rama triumphantly returned to Ayodhya. He was welcomed by the people of the kingdom who expressed their happiness and love for the lord by lighting rows of clay lamps and by distributing sweets. It is said that the Festival of Lights, Diwali, owes it origin to this event. Since that day it is celebrated with much joy and religious fervor across the world.

The subjugation of King Bali by Vamana Avatar
The other story involves King Bali. He was a charitable ruler. However, he was also highly motivated and was drunk with power. Some of the Gods requested Lord Vishnu to put an end to Bali’s fast growing ambitions. Vishnu visited earth in the form of a Vamana (dwarf). He was dressed as priest. Vishnu knew well that Bali was generous and loved giving alms. So he approached Bali with a fixed plan, and asked him to give him the space covered by him with his three strides. An unsuspecting Bali readily agreed thinking that the dwarf would not cover much ground. But as soon as he agreed, Lord Vishnu appeared in his true form, and with just three gigantic strides, covered the entire Earth, the Skies and the Universe. Bali was humbled and sent to the underworld. Since that day, as a part of Diwali celebrations, King Bali is remembered on this day.

The defeat of Narkasura by Lord Krishna
Narkasura was a demon of muck, covered in dirt. He kidnapped beautiful young women and forced them to live with him. At last, their fervent cries for freedom were heard by Vishnu, who appeared in the form of Krishna. At first, he had to take on a five-headed ogre who kept watch over the demon's palace. Narkasura hoped that his death would finally make people -- especially the kidnapped women -- happy. Krishna granted him this boon and the women received their freedom. For Hindus, this tale reminds them good still resides in the heart of the evil.

The rescue of Gokula villagers by Lord Krishna
Several years ago, in the village of Gokula, people prayed to the God Indra believing that the god sent the rains, which helped their crops grow. However, Lord Krishna convinced them to worship Govardhan Mountain instead, as the mountain and the land around it was fertile. This did not go down well with Indra who became furious. And to teach a lesson to the villagers, he sent thunder and torrential rain down on Gokula. Much terrified, the villagers sought Krishna’s help, who immediately came to their rescue. With just his finger he easily lifted the top of the huge Govardhan Mountain and the villagers sought cover under it. The offering of food made to the God on the occasion of Diwali reminds the Hindus the value of food.