For Kayastha families, Chitragupta Puja is the most important day of the year. It is the day we worship Shri Chitragupta Ji Maharaj — believed to be the divine keeper of the records of every being’s deeds — along with the kalam (pen) and dawat (inkpot) that are the symbols of our community’s traditional work as writers, scribes and administrators. This guide explains the Chitragupta Puja vidhi in simple steps that any family can follow at home.
When is Chitragupta Puja celebrated?
Chitragupta Puja is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya — the second day of the bright half of the Kartik month. This is usually two days after Diwali and falls on the same day as Bhai Dooj (also called Yama Dwitiya). Because tithis change with the moon, always check the exact date and the auspicious time in the panchang for your city.
In many Kayastha homes, pens are kept aside from Diwali night until the puja, and nothing is written. The pen is picked up again only after it has been worshipped — a lovely reminder that knowledge and the written word are sacred.
Who is Shri Chitragupta Ji?
According to Puranic tradition, Chitragupta Ji emerged from the body (kaya) of Lord Brahma after a long meditation, holding a pen and an inkpot. He was given the duty of recording the good and bad deeds of all living beings so that justice could be done. Kayasthas regard him as their aradhya dev and believe the community descends from him — which is why the day is celebrated with so much devotion.
ॐ श्री चित्रगुप्ताय नमः — the simple mantra most families chant during the puja.
Samagri (things you need)
- A picture or idol of Shri Chitragupta Ji Maharaj
- New or cleaned pen (kalam) and inkpot (dawat) — many families also keep the pens children use for school
- Plain white paper or a new notebook, and account books (bahi-khata) if you run a business
- Roli, haldi, akshat (unbroken rice), chandan, flowers and a small garland
- Diya with ghee, dhoop or agarbatti, and a kalash with water
- Fruits, sweets and panchamrit for bhog
- A clean red or yellow cloth for the chowki
Step-by-step Chitragupta Puja vidhi
1. Prepare the place
Clean the puja area, place a chowki and cover it with the cloth. Keep the picture of Chitragupta Ji in the centre and arrange the pen, inkpot, paper and books in front of it. Everyone in the family bathes and wears clean clothes.
2. Sankalp and Ganesh vandana
Light the diya and dhoop. Take a little water and akshat in your right hand and make a sankalp — a simple promise in your own words that the family is performing this puja for knowledge, wisdom and right action. Begin, as with every puja, by remembering Lord Ganesh.
3. Worship Chitragupta Ji
Offer water, roli, chandan, akshat and flowers to the picture. Chant ॐ श्री चित्रगुप्ताय नमः 11, 21 or 108 times. Many families keep a mala for this; you can also use a jaap counter.
4. Kalam-dawat puja
Apply roli and akshat to the pen and the inkpot, tie a sacred thread (kalava) on the pen if you like, and offer flowers. This is the heart of the day — we thank the tools of learning and honest work.
5. The writing ritual
This is what makes Chitragupta Puja unique. With the worshipped pen, each member writes on the paper. Traditions differ from family to family, but commonly people write:
- “Shri Ganeshaya Namah” and “Shri Chitraguptaya Namah” at the top
- Their name, the date, and sometimes their address
- A simple account of the year’s income and expenses, or a short prayer asking for wisdom and good deeds
- Children write the alphabet, numbers or their favourite lines — a sweet way to begin the year’s learning
The paper is folded and offered at the feet of Chitragupta Ji.
6. Katha, aarti and prasad
Read or listen to the Chitragupta katha, then perform the aarti together. Offer bhog, distribute prasad, and take blessings from the elders. Only now is the pen used for writing again.
Tips to make the day special
- Involve children: let them decorate the puja thali and write their own page.
- Celebrate with the samaj: many local Kayastha sabhas hold a community puja — a great way to meet families from your city.
- Remember the meaning: Chitragupta Ji records our deeds; the best offering is a promise to act honestly in the year ahead.
Using the Kayastha Setu app on the day
You can check the tithi and timings in the Daily Panchang, play Shri Chitragupta Vandana in the Darshan, Aarti & Bhajan section, and count your jaap of ॐ श्री चित्रगुप्ताय नमः on the Digital Mala.
Tithi, nakshatra, yoga, muhurat and festivals — today’s panchang in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
On which day is Chitragupta Puja performed?
On Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, usually two days after Diwali and on the same day as Bhai Dooj. Check the panchang for the exact date and muhurat in your city.
Why do Kayasthas worship the pen and inkpot?
Shri Chitragupta Ji is believed to record every being’s deeds with a pen and inkpot, and Kayasthas traditionally worked as writers and administrators. Worshipping the kalam and dawat honours knowledge and honest work.
What is written on paper during Chitragupta Puja?
Families commonly write Shri Ganeshaya Namah and Shri Chitraguptaya Namah, their name and date, and often a short account of income and expenses or a prayer. Traditions differ, so follow what your elders do.
Can Chitragupta Puja be done without a pandit?
Yes. Most families perform it themselves at home with the simple steps above.