Satyanarayan Puja is one of the most widely practiced domestic devotional rituals across India, honoring Lord Vishnu in His divine form as Satyanarayan—the embodiment of absolute truth and righteous living. Originating from the Reva Khanda of the Skanda Purana, the puja emphasizes that truthful conduct in thought, word, and deed brings prosperity and peace.
While the ritual can be performed on any auspicious occasion—such as weddings, inaugurations, birthdays, or academic achievements—it is most traditionally performed on every full moon day (Purnima), Ekadashi, and Sankranti during the evening hours.
The ceremony involves sanctifying a mandap, listening attentively to the five narrative chapters (katha) illustrating the moral triumphs of devotion, and distributing the sacred Sheera or Panjiri prasada (made of roasted semolina, milk, ghee, sugar, and crushed bananas) to family and neighbors.