Why Friday specifically
Friday (Shukravar) is named for Shukra, the planet Venus, associated with beauty, comfort and prosperity — qualities closely tied to Lakshmi's own domain as goddess of wealth and wellbeing. In some regional traditions Friday is also associated with Durga or Santoshi Maa, but Lakshmi worship remains the most widespread Friday practice across India.
How the day is typically observed
Many households clean the home thoroughly on Friday mornings, light a lamp near the entrance in the evening, and sing Om Jai Lakshmi Mata or recite the Lakshmi Chalisa. Some devotees avoid sweeping or discarding items after dark on Fridays, based on the belief that Lakshmi's presence shouldn't be swept out of the house.
Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat
A specific Friday observance, Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat, involves a structured ritual and story-reading undertaken for a fixed number of consecutive Fridays, traditionally kept for financial stability and family wellbeing.
A weekly reminder of abundance
Dedicating Friday to Lakshmi gives households a recurring, low-effort ritual — cleaning, lighting a lamp, a short aarti — that keeps gratitude for what one already has part of the weekly rhythm, rather than something remembered only in times of financial stress.