KATHMANDU: The festival of Dhanteras, celebrated annually on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, is being observed today across the country with the purchase of new utensils, gold, silver, copper, and other metal items.
Part of the Tihar (or Deepawali) festivities, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Yamapanchak. Items bought on this day are used in the Laxmi Puja held on Kartik Krishna Aunsi.
According to Vedic Sanatan Hindu tradition, it is believed that worshipping Goddess Laxmi with these newly acquired items brings prosperity and continued blessings to the household.
There is also a long-standing tradition of buying gold and silver ornaments on Dhanteras, leading to a surge in purchases of jewelry and utensils across markets.
Tihar, also known as Deepawali, Yamapanchak, or the festival of lights, is the second most significant festival in Nepal after Dashain. Celebrations begin today with the lighting of homes, businesses, and public spaces, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, while Yamapanchak begins today, Kaag Tihar, the first official day of Tihar, will be observed on Sunday.
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