Laxmi Puja today

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Oct. 31:The first day of Yamapanchak was observed as Kaag Tihar (Crow Festival) by offering food to the crow on Wednesday. Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to worshipping dogs, is being celebrated on Thursday. People worship dogs by feeding them, putting red vermillion powder and garlanding them. The dog is worshipped as an envoy of Yama Raj, the god of death. 

Laxmi Puja generally falls on the third day of Tihar, but this year Laxmi Puja and Kukur Tihar will be observed on the same day on Thursday. 

Laxmi Puja holds a special significance for Hindus. People decorate their houses with flowers, lights, and oil lamps and worship goddess Laxmi with the belief that Goddess Laxmi will bless them with prosperity. 

Children play Deusi and Bhailo on Laxmi Puja day. People worship cows on Friday and oxen on Saturday. 

There is the tradition of celebrating Mha puja in the Newar community, it’s the ritual of worshipping the self, the spirit within oneself. It falls on Saturday. The final day of Yamapanchak is celebrated as Bhai Tika. The day brings brothers and sisters together. On the day, sisters put a seven-colour Tika on the brother’s forehead and wish for their progress, prosperity and longevity of their lives. Tihar strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters.