Laxmi Puja

As a part of Deepawali or Tihar, Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated on the third day especially in October or November according to the solar calendar. On this specious occasion, people worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness. 

She holds the promise of material fulfillment and contentment. She is characterized as restless, capricious yet caring, with her arms raised to bless and to grant and is draped in a red sari, festooned with gold knick-knacks, seated on a lotus, pot in hand, flanked by white elephants, the representation of Lakshmi adorns most Hindu homes and business establishments

Why to worship Goddess Laxmi? 

Most of the Hindus believe that worshipping Laxmi genuinely for fortune and success. People still believe that Goddess Laxmi enters and resides in the place of hard work, virtue, and bravery. By different means, people worship Laxmi either in homes or the temples and the special day is Friday.

She particularly is worshipped in the festival of Deepawali. The story of this festival dates back to Ramayana, an epic story of legend Lord Rama's battle with the demon Ravana where Laxmi features. 

In the story, Lord Ram marriages Sita, who is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Laxmi. As Lord Ram returns to his kingdom winning the battle by killing Ravan, people lit candles to guide their way in the dark. In honor of this, on the second day of Diwali people light candles in their homes to guide Lakshmi, in the trust that she will bequeath good fortune on their home for the coming year.

How do people celebrate Laxmi Puja? 

People believe that Laxmi wanders on the earth in the evening of Laxmi Puja-third day of Tihar. In the evening, people open their doors and windows to welcome Laxmi and blow candles and Diya lights on their yards, windowsills, balconies, or doorways to invite her. 

People seem decorated with the new cultural and traditional dresses that outfit as the evening approaches. Offerings are done, lights are lit and all the houses are decorated with colorful lights.

Other deities as Kubera-the god of wealth, Saraswati-the goddess of education and Ganesha- the elephant god is also worshiped on this day. Worshipping them, wealth, and prosperity, and their blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.

In Nepal, Laxmi Puja is celebrated as a part of Tihar-the second largest festival of Nepalese people and is celebrated for 5 days. These include Kag (crow) Tihar, Kukur (dog) Tihar, Gai (cow) Tihar in the morning and Laxmi pooja at night, Maha puja (self puja) or Goru (Ox and Bull) Tihar or Gobardhan Puja; and finally, Bhai Tika (Bhai dhooj) counting the first, second, third, fourth and fifth days respectively. 

On this specious occasion, people add gold and silver, precious gemstones, new utensils of copper, brass, and bronze as a sign of good luck, prosperity, money, and wealth and are worshipped in the evening. The areas of worshipping are cleaned with holy water, cow dung, and red mud lightening the whole house with candles and lamps. 

From this day onwards, people gather in a particular place and start to play Deusi and Bhailo.

Carrying and playing the musical instruments as Madal (TomTom) flute guitar, drum set, keyboard, and several others, people from all groups and sizes especially youngsters and teenagers sing these songs and dance as they go to various homes in their community, collecting money, special bread as Sel roti, sweets and food giving blessings for prosperity, happiness and wealth. 

Laxmi Puja dates in different years

Laxmi Puja lies in different times of the year. The dates of Laxmi Puja from 2015 to 2020 are listed.

In 2015- Wednesday, November 11

In 2016- Sunday, October 30

In 2017- Thursday, October 19

In 2018- Wednesday, November 7

In 2019- Sunday, October 27

In 2020- Saturday, November 14

Conclusion

Laxmi Puja, one of the greatest ceremonies in the world of Hindus, especially in the Indian subcontinent is expected to bring happiness, wealth, and prosperity to every house. Goddess Laxmi is believed to visit every resident offering them success and auspiciousness. 

Celebrated in the new moon, people light a lot of candles, Diyos, and colorful blazes to welcome Goddess in their habitats. 

By Krishna Sapkota

Krishna is a content writer and tour guide of Holy Mountain Treks. As a guide and a writer, he has paid a visit to almost all the touristic destinations in Nepal. He has also been to major Trekking termini in Nepal. By means of his personal knowledge and experiences, he responds all your interrogations, creates blogs, articles and develops itineraries for your trips.

Krishna has been working in tourism sector since 2017, as he was running his Masters' degree. Afterward the accomplishment of his graduation, he is fully keen in this industry.