KATHMANDU: Laxmi Puja, a day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu Goddess Laxmi, is being observed across the country today.
Traditionally celebrated on the third day of the Tihar festival, this year Laxmi Puja coincides with the second day of Tihar, along with Narak Chaturdashi and Kukur Tihar—the festival honoring dogs.
The five-day Tihar festival, also known as Yamapanchak, began on Sunday. Laxmi Puja is being observed this evening with devotion, as worshippers honor Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
On this day, people thoroughly clean their homes and surroundings, decorate their houses with lights, and light butter lamps to ‘invite’ the goddess into their homes—believing that Laxmi does not enter untidy or impure places.
The night of Laxmi Puja is also called Sukha Ratri, meaning “the night of happiness,” as it is believed the goddess comes to reside in homes on this auspicious evening.
To welcome her, devotees make symbolic footprints leading from the courtyard to the main altar, guiding her path into the home.
In the evening, groups of teenage girls from the neighborhood perform bhailo—a traditional song and dance—visiting homes with joyful music and celebration.
In return, homeowners, especially mothers, offer gifts such as paddy, rice grains, flower garlands, money, and sel roti, a traditional homemade delicacy fried in ghee.
It is believed that by giving these offerings to the bhailo troupes, the household receives blessings from the goddess.
Homes are beautifully illuminated at night with electric lights and butter lamps as part of the celebrations.
In keeping with family traditions, some people also worship cows in the morning on Laxmi Puja, recognizing them as sacred and symbols of prosperity.
Comment