KATHMANDU: Laxmi Puja is being celebrated across the country today, to mark the third day of Yamapanchak of the Tihar festival. Tihar is the second biggest festival of the Nepali Hindus.

According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs and Gai Tihar (Laxmi Puja) fall on the third day of Yamapanchak this year.

Kukur Tihar is observed in the morning and Laxmi, goddess of wealth, being worshipped in the evening today for prosperity in personal life as well as business.

Hindu people clean their houses, rooms, windows and premises early in the morning with cow dung and red clay and light lamps to welcome Goddess Laxmi in the evening today. People celebrate with much enthusiasm by lighting their houses, singing, dancing and merry-making.

Dog, which is an animal well known for being trustworthy sentry as well as faithful companion of humans since ancient times, is being worshipped by offering delicious food today.

The tihar festival this year is being observed with caution in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.