Laxmi Puja falls on the third day of Tihar. Many families worship cows in the morning and, in the evening, welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, with clean homes, rangoli, lamps and prayers. Practices differ by family, community and region.
The day begins with Gai Puja
The third day of Tihar starts, for many households, with Gai Puja. The cow is regarded with deep respect in Hindu tradition and is associated with Laxmi. Families who keep cows, or who can visit them, may offer tika, garlands and food. Not every household is able to take part, and many simply focus on the evening rituals.
Preparing the home
In the days leading up to Laxmi Puja, many families clean and repair their homes, since a tidy and welcoming house is traditionally seen as inviting Laxmi in. Doorways are decorated with marigold garlands, and colourful rangoli patterns are drawn at entrances. Some families paint a trail of small footprints or a path of red earth leading from the door to the place of worship, symbolising the goddess entering the home.
Lights in the evening
As evening falls, homes, shops and streets are lit with diyo, candles and electric lights. This is the heart of Deepawali, the "row of lamps". Many families try to keep a lamp burning through the night. Some prefer traditional oil lamps, while others use electric lights for convenience and safety.
The evening puja
The evening worship is usually performed at a household shrine or a corner set aside for the occasion. Offerings commonly include flowers, sweets, fruit, rice and coins, along with incense and lamps. Some families place money, jewellery or account books near the shrine, as the day is closely associated with prosperity. Many shops and businesses also honour Laxmi on this day. The exact steps, prayers and auspicious timing depend on family custom and the guidance of a priest or elder.
Bhailo and sharing
On this night, groups of girls and young women traditionally go from house to house singing Bhailo songs, and households offer food, money or sweets in return for blessings. Sweets such as sel roti are also prepared and shared with relatives and neighbours in many homes.
Plan around published festival dates
Laxmi Puja moves each year in the Bikram Sambat calendar. Use KhataPal's Tihar guide for the currently published dates and the calendar to open a specific day. Government public holidays are labelled separately on the holiday list. For the auspicious time of the puja, follow the guidance of your family priest or a trusted almanac.