Nepal Celebrates Laxmi Puja and Kukur Tihar on the Same Day Amid Tithi Alignment
This year, due to lunar alignment, Nepal celebrates both Laxmi Puja and Kukur Tihar on the same day — honoring dogs and the Goddess of Wealth.
Nepal marks an auspicious day of celebration as Laxmi Puja and Kukur Tihar coincide this year due to changes in the lunar calendar. Traditionally, Kukur Tihar — the day dedicated to dogs — falls on the second day of the Yamapanchak festival, while Laxmi Puja, the worship of the Goddess of Wealth, occurs on the third day. However, because of the overlap of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi and Aunsi, both festivals are being celebrated today.
According to the religious calendar committee, the Chaturdashi tithi lasts until 2:52 PM today, followed by Aunsi, which is considered the most auspicious period for Laxmi Puja during the evening hours. Scriptures advise that Laxmi Puja should be performed during the Aunsi night to invite prosperity and remove financial obstacles.
In the morning, devotees traditionally perform a ritual bath in rivers or ponds and release an oil lamp (Yamadeep) toward the south, symbolically warding off negative energies and ensuring peace in the afterlife. Dogs, considered the guardians of homes and messengers of Yama, are worshipped with garlands, tika, and food offerings, representing loyalty and protection.
By evening, households across Nepal illuminate with diyo (oil lamps), candles, and decorative lights for Laxmi Puja. Homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated with cow dung, red mud, and garlands, as it is believed that the Goddess Laxmi only enters clean and bright homes. Devotees worship with offerings of jewelry, grains, fruits, sweets, and coins, praying for wealth and prosperity.
After the puja, it is considered inauspicious to give away money or goods, as it symbolizes wealth leaving the household. Young girls, regarded as embodiments of Goddess Laxmi, are honored with gifts and blessings. The evening also marks the beginning of the Deusi–Bhailo tradition, where groups sing and dance, spreading joy and cultural unity.
The night of Kartik Aunsi is known as Sukharatri, one of the four sacred nights of the year, when it is believed that Goddess Laxmi roams the earth blessing devotees with prosperity and happiness.