Hindus across the nation observed Laxmi Puja on Monday evening with jubilation and various religious rituals throughout the country in accordance with time-honoured tradition.

This year, Laxmi Puja or worship of the goddess of wealth was celebrated on the second day of the five-day festival–also known as the festival of lights–by lighting butter lamps and candles inside and outside of the households.

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.

During the night of Laxmi Puja, also known as ‘the Night of Bliss’, cultural programme ‘Bhailo’ is also held. 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.

Here are some photos of illuminated Kathmandu valley on the day of Laxmi puja captured by Post’s photographers Sanjog Manandhar, Angad Dhakal, Elite Joshi, Hemanta Shrestha.