Kojagrat Purnima today; President Yadav visits Navadurga temple

Hindus all over the country are celebrating Kojagrat Prunima, which marks the end of the nearly two-weeks-long Dashai festival, today.

On this final day of Dashain, people worship Mahalaxmi - the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. People tend to stay awake the whole night as it is believed that Goddess Mahalaxmi will bless those who are found worshipping her by staying awake. People also consider that it is auspicious to gamble today.

Today Jamara or barley sprouts grown during the festival is removed from the Dashain ghar, marking the end of the festival.

Meanwhile, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav visited the Navadurga temple in Bhaktapur at 4 pm in the afternoon in his capacity as head of state.

Last year, former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had visited the temple in his capacity of acting head of state, effectively breaking the tradition of only reigning monarch visiting the temple on this day Dr Yadav attended a Pooja ceremony at the temple for half an hour, reports said.

Ex-king Gyanendra is said to be planning to visit the temple today, but till press time it was not known when he would visit the temple. The tradition of visiting the temple on Kojagrat Purnima was set by late King Birendra since 1988. nepalnews.com Oct 14 08