Laxmi Puja celebrated nationwide with lamps and rangoli, Kathmandu Valley glitters

On Sunday evening, the third day of Tihar, homes, shops and offices across the country worshipped Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

This night of Kartik Krishna Aunsi is also called Sukhratri, one of the four major nights of the year. Following the belief that Laxmi resides in clean, well-plastered homes, courtyards were cleaned early in the morning and plastered with cow dung and red soil.

In the evening, footprints of Laxmi were drawn from the main gate to the puja room using rice flour and abir. Rangoli designs decorated courtyards and doorways, while homes were adorned with garlands of marigold, globe amaranth and chrysanthemum. After the puja, it is customary to keep the main gate and door open.

Shop doors in Kathmandu's Durbar Marg area were also decorated with rangoli. The Dharahara, Swayambhu, New Road, Mahabouddha, Naya Baneshwor and Koteshwor areas were lit up with lights. The valley looked beautiful with lamps, torches and electric lights glowing in every home.

The sparkling view of the valley could be seen from Kirtipur, Chandragiri and Kabhrasthali in Tarakeshwar. Crowds buying Tihar goods increased in New Road, Asan and Indrachowk.

Beni Bazaar, the district headquarters of Myagdi, was also lit up with lamps. Courtyards in Siraha and Kapilvastu were decorated with colorful rangoli. This display of sparkling lights will continue through Bhai Tika and Chhath.