Kattik Krishna Aamabasya: Laxmi puja being observed this evening

Kathmandu, Nov 8: Kattik Amabasya or Aunsi, also known as Laxmi Puja, is being observed this evening across the country with special rituals dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. According to Vedic traditions, the evening of Kattik Krishna Aunsi (Amawasya), which falls on the third day of the Tihar festival (Yamapanchak), is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Laxmi.

It is traditionally believed that the Goddess Laxmi visits only neat and tidy and well-maintained homes. For this reason, people thoroughly clean their houses and decorate them with marigold flowers, lights and other embellishment to welcome the goddess and seek her blessings, according to religious scholar Toyaraj Nepal.

Traditionally, mud houses were cleaned with cow dung and red clay before being illuminated with oil-fed earthen lamps known as Diyo, while, nowadays, candles and electric lights are also commonly used to decorate homes. Kattik Krishna Aunsi, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, is also known as Sukharatri, meaning the night of happiness.