Third day of Tihar festival "Laxmi Pooja" today

On the third day of Yamapanchak , Laxmi the Goddess of wealth is worshipped with jubilation throughout the country in accordance with time honored tradition, today.

The people worship Goddess Laxmi and their wealth in the evening, wishing for prosperity.

On the day the Goddess of wealth (Laxmi) is worshiped in every household in the entire Nepal by means of Pooja, decoration, candle lights, and oil lamps.

All the nooks and corners of the house including the courtyard, rooms and cowsheds are illuminated with colorful and decorative lights this evening in the belief that Goddess Laxmi does not come to places which are not properly illuminated, and to please Goddess Laxmi, people light lamps and spend the whole night in vigil.

Laxmi pooja is performed at dusk using red mud, and Pooja is often done by a female in the family. She uses her hand covered with red mud to make a symbolic foot-print on the floor entering the home and makes a trail leading to the Pooja room.

Laxmi Pooja is not only for households but is equally done at businesses. It is done the same way as in the homes and some staff is invited to participate in the Pooja procession.

The Laxmi Pooja and Gai Pooja usually falls on the same day, but this time, the Gai Pooja falls on the 4th day.

Cultural program like ‘Deusi’ and ‘Bhailo’ are also highlights of the Tihar festival. Last year the royal government had prohibited people from organising Deusi and Bhailo, usually held at night, after 8.00 p.m. during the Tihar festival in the name of maintaining law and order in the valley. nepalnews.com pb Oct 21 06