Kathmandu: On the third day of Yama Panchak (Tihar), households across Nepal are illuminated with rows of lamps and vibrant decorations as devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, on the auspicious night of Lakshmi Puja — also known as Sukhratri, the brightest night of Kartik Krishna Aunsi.

Following the age-old belief that Lakshmi resides only in clean and pure homes, families began the day by thoroughly cleaning and decorating their houses — polishing doors, windows, roofs, verandas, and stairs — to invite the goddess of abundance.

In the evening, a ceremonial path is created from the courtyard to the prayer room using cow dung and red clay, decorated with Lakshmi’s footprints made of rice flour and abir, and lit with rows of oil lamps placed on banana stems or clay pots.

Inside the puja room, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Ganesh, lighting lamps and offering jewellery, money, grains, fruits, and garlands. After the ritual, young girls — considered embodiments of Lakshmi — are honored and given dakshina as a gesture of reverence and gratitude.

According to Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, a member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnaya Bikash Samiti, Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed by women in the evening. “There is a classical belief that at midnight, women pray for the arrival of prosperity by performing symbolic rituals to invite wealth and banish poverty,” he said.

Throughout the evening, young women and girls play Bhailo, visiting homes while singing and dancing in celebration of Lord Vishnu’s blessing to King Bali, symbolizing goodwill and fortune. The offerings of rice, garlands, bread, and money received during Bhailo are considered Kartik Daan, believed to bring spiritual merit to donors.

Meanwhile, the city markets are radiant with Diwali lights, flowers, and sweets, as families and businesses alike celebrate this festival of light and prosperity. Traditionally, cow worship (Gai Puja) follows Lakshmi Puja, though in some households, it is observed on the same day according to family customs.