Laxmi Puja, the third evening of Tihar, is dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to visit clean and brightly lit homes on this night to bestow her blessings. As darkness falls, families line their windowsills, doorways and courtyards with rows of earthen oil lamps (diyo) or electric lights, draw colourful rangoli at the threshold, and perform a puja with flowers, incense and sweets to invite the goddess inside. Shops and businesses also perform Laxmi Puja to consecrate their accounts for the coming year, making this one of the most commercially and spiritually significant evenings of the Nepali festival calendar.
Laxmi Puja, falling on the third day of Tihar, is one of the most anticipated and visually spectacular nights of the year. It is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the embodiment of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Devotees believe that on this new moon night, the goddess roams the earth and visits homes that are exceptionally clean, bright, and welcoming.
Illuminating the Night
To guide Goddess Laxmi into their homes, families undertake massive cleaning efforts and illuminate their properties. The evening sees houses, businesses, and entire streets aglow with the warm light of traditional clay oil lamps (Diyo), candles, and modern electric fairy lights. The mesmerizing display of light piercing the darkest night of the lunar cycle is the defining aesthetic of the festival.
Rangoli and Rituals
At the entrance of homes and businesses, people create intricate and colorful 'Rangoli' or 'Mandala' designs using dyed rice flour, colored powders, and flower petals. A small trail of footprints is often drawn from the main entrance to the 'Puja Room' (worship room) to direct the goddess. The evening culminates in a devoted prayer ceremony, offering coins, sweets, and flowers to secure her blessings.
Planning for Laxmi Puja
This 2083 date is part of the Tihar schedule. Check the calendar’s holiday scope separately from the observance itself. Family and community practices can vary; the festival date alone does not specify an exact ceremony time.