KATHMANDU: Nepali Hindus are observing Kojagrat Poornima (full moon day) on Sunday as part of the final day of the 15-day Bada Dashain festival by worshipping and paying homage to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

The Bada Dashain festival formally ends today with the marking of the Kojagrat Poornima.

Devotees offer worships to Mahalaxmi at their homes in the evening, and keeping vigil the whole night.

It is believed that goddess Mahalaxmi takes a trip around the world on the night of Kojagrat Poornima to ‘check as to who is observing the vigil on this particular night’.

According to this belief, Mahalaxmi blesses people who are found observing the overnight vigil, according to Prof Dr Ramchandra Gautam, Chairperson of Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

Since the ritual of giving and receiving Tika and Jamara for the Dashain festival also concludes on this day, the Jamara that is sprouted and anointed at the Dashainghar and Kot on the day of Ghatasthapana is disposed of as per the religious tradition.

People also perform worship at the Swoyambhu Chaitya and observe the night vigil by lighting the Mahadeep lamp.