Laxmi Puja was observed on Sunday evening with jubilation and various religious rituals throughout the country in accordance with time honoured tradition. 

Laxmi Puja or worship to the goddess of wealth was celebrated in every household to mark the third day of the five-day Tihar festival–also known as the festival of lights–by lighting butter lamps and candles inside and outside of the households. 

Nepali Hindus worship Goddess Laxmi and their wealth in the evening of this day wishing for prosperity. 

All the nooks and corners of the house, including the courtyard and rooms, are illuminated with colourful and decorative lights in the belief that Goddess Laxmi does not visit places that are not properly lit, and to please Goddess Laxmi, people light lamps and spend the whole night in vigil. 

After the worship rituals, women of every household beat the Nanglo (a large bamboo straw woven plate) and enter the house from the courtyard to appease the goddess and by wishing prosperity, according to Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Committee Chairman Ram Chandra Gautam. 

“As per the scriptures Sri Sukta hymn is recited after worshipping Goddess Laxmi and a coconut which is a favourite of the goddess is offered to her. It is believed this ritual ushers in prosperity,” Gautam said. 

The night of Laxmi Puja is also known as ‘the Night of Bliss’. Cultural programme ‘Bhailo’ are also held on the day. Girls in groups visit door-to-door in settlements singing the Bhailo songs. The house-owners offer gifts comprising sweets, rice grains and money to these girls.