During Diwali prayers, Lakshmi is commonly worshipped with Ganesha, the Hindu god associated with wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
Lakshmi represents wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, while Ganesha represents auspicious beginnings, intellect, and wisdom. Their pairing gives Diwali worship a complementary focus: households seek material well-being while also invoking discernment and a smooth start to the coming year. In many traditions, Ganesha is honored at the beginning of an auspicious ceremony.
Diwali worship varies by region, family, and religious tradition, so Ganesha is not the only deity who may appear in a household puja. Saraswati, Kubera, Kali, Durga, or other deities may also be honored. Even so, the Lakshmi-Ganesha pairing is one of the most widely recognized Diwali associations. Kartikeya, Indra, and Shiva are important Hindu deities, but they are not the standard answer to this particular pairing.