KATHMANDU: Laxmi Puja, the third day of Tihar festival, is being observed across the country on Thursday.
On this day, people clean their houses and surroundings, illuminate their houses with lamps to 'welcome' the Laxmi, goddess of wealth.
Also known as Yam Panchak, the festival is observed for five days. The first day of Yam Panchak is observed as Kaag Tihar by feeding crows, regarded as messengers in Nepali society. The second day is Kukur Tihar- the day is observed worshipping dogs. The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja worshipping cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day of Tihar is known as Goru Puja - worship of oxen, while the fifth and final day is Bhai Tika - the day when brothers receive Tika from their sisters.
However, both Kaag Tihar and Kukur Tihar fell on the same day Wednesday), according to Calendar Determination Committee Chair, Prof Shree Krishna Adhikari.
People from the Newari community celebrate the fourth day of Yam Panchak as Mha Puja - worship of one's own soul.
The auspicious hour for Bhai Tika this year is 11:02 am Saturday (November 6), he added.
