KATHMANDU, Nov 14: The third day of Yamapanchak is being celebrated by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence and prosperity, today evening, with devotion.
Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, is being celebrated at every household today. Kukur Tihar is often observed on the second day of Yamapanchak of the Tihar festival. However, this year Laxmi Puja and Kukur Tihar are being observed on the same day, according to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.
On the day of Laxmi Puja, people clean their houses and surrounding, illuminate their homes and light butter lamps to 'invite' the goddess to their homes, in the belief that the goddess Laxmi abhors the house which is not cleaned and untidy. In the rural areas where the houses are made of mud and stone, people daub the house with cow dung and red soil.
The night of Laxmi Puja is also known as Sukha Ratri, meaning the night of happiness as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi comes to reside in the house on this special night. To 'welcome' the goddess in the house, devotees make the footprint signs from their courtyard up to the main altar where the goddess is worshipper amidst all kinds of rituals. In the evening of Laxmi Puja, troupes of teenage girls from the neighbourhood sing the 'bhailo' sons amidst dancing and merriment.
This year, teenagers are forced to observe Tihar without Deusi-Bhailo. Local administrations across the country have restricted Deusi and Bhailo programs owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Generally, the bhailo troupes visit house to house in the neighbourhood performing the bhailo cultural songs and dance. In return, the house-owners, specially mothers, give various presents like paddy, rice grain, flower garlands, money and 'selroti', a special delicacy cooked in ghee. It is believed the house-owner is bestowed with blessings from the goddess by presenting the donation to these bhailo troupes.
Night illumination is carried out at homes by lighting colourful electric lights and butter lamps. The buildings in the city area are bedecked with colourful lights which are illuminated on the occasion. Some people also worship the cow in the morning on Laxmi Puja in accordance with their family tradition.
Kukur Tihar also being observed today
Dog, which is an animal well known for being the trustworthy sentry as well as faithful companion of humans since ancient times, is worshipped once a year on this day. People worship the dog, garland it and offer delicious food today.
This day is also called Narak Chaturdashi. People take holy dips in rivers and ponds at sunrise on this day in observance of the Narak Chaturdashi. After taking the holy bath, devotees light what is known as the Yamadeep facing it southwards.
This lamp is later released in the river and there is the belief that by doing this one would not have to go to the Narak or hell after death. Dog, which is said to have accompanied Dharmaraj Yudhisthir on his journey to heaven in the mythological grand epic Mahabharat, has a close relationship with mankind.