Third day of Tihar festival "Laxmi Pooja" today
People are celebrating the festival of Laxmi Pooja by worshipping the Goddess of Wealth on the third day of Tihar festival on Friday.
On the third day of Yamapanchak , Laxmi the Goddess of wealth is worshipped with jubilation throughout the country in accordance with time honored tradition.
The people worship Goddess Laxmi and their wealth in the evening, wishing for prosperity. On this day the Goddess of wealth (Laxmi) is worshiped in households by means of Pooja, decoration, candle lights, and oil lamps.
All the nooks and corners of the house including the courtyard, rooms and cowsheds are cleaned and illuminated with colorful and decorative lights this evening in the belief that Goddess Laxmi does not come to places which are not properly illuminated, and to please Goddess Laxmi, people light lamps and spend the whole night in vigil.
Laxmi pooja is performed at dusk using red mud, and Pooja is often done by a female in the family. She uses her hand covered with red mud to make a symbolic foot-print on the floor entering the home and makes a trail leading to the Pooja room.
Laxmi Pooja is not only for households but is equally done at businesses. It is done the same way as in the homes and some staffs are invited to participate in the Pooja procession.
Along with Laxmi Pooja, people are also celebrating Gai Pooja on Friday by worshipping cow.
Cows are worshipped as the worldly manifestation of goddess Laxmi. Legend has it that gods and goddesses reside in each and every cow.
The Gai Pooja is performed by giving a tika to a cow on her forehead, and a flower garland (leis) on the neck, and offering good meals.
Those performing Gai Pooja place cow-dung in different parts of the home; drink a drop or two of the cow's urine as a part of a purification process.
In the evening time, cultural programmes like 'Deusi' and 'Bhailo' are also held – which are the highlights of the Tihar festival. nepalnews.com Nov 09 07
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