Nepali Hindus are observing the Kojagrat Poornima (full moon day) on Monday as part of the final day of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival by worshipping and paying homage to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

The Bada Dashain festival formally ends today with the marking of the Kojagrat Poornima—devotees offering worships to Mahalaxmi at their homes in the evening.

Since the ritual of giving and receiving Tika and Jamara of the Dashain festival also concludes on this day, the Jamara that is sprouted and anointed at the Dashainghar and Kot on the day of Ghatasthapana is disposed of as per the religious tradition.

There is a belief that the goddess Mahalaxmi takes a trip around the world on the night of Kojagrat Poornima 'to check as to who is observing the vigil on this particular night'.

As per this belief, the goddess of wealth blesses the people who are found observing the overnight vigil. With this belief, housewives observe the vigil tonight and pay homage to the goddess.

People also perform worship at the Swoyambhu Chaitya and observe the night vigil by lighting the Mahadeep lamp. (RSS)