Lakshmi Puja Nepali Calendar 2023: Dates, Rituals, and Significance

Introduction

Lakshmi Puja, also known as Laxmi Puja or Tihar, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, who is revered for bringing prosperity, wealth, and good fortune to the household. The festival is typically celebrated over five days, with the main day of celebration on the third day. In 2023, Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated from October 26 to 30.

Significance of Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja is a deeply revered festival that holds significant importance in Nepali culture. It is believed that Lakshmi visits every household during the festival and blesses it with wealth and prosperity. Devotees perform special rituals and prayers to welcome the goddess and seek her blessings for their families and businesses.

Dates of Lakshmi Puja 2023

• Day 1 (October 26): Kaag Tihar/Crow Tihar: This day is associated with crows, which are considered to be messengers of Lakshmi. People offer food and water to crows on this day.
• Day 2 (October 27): Kukur Tihar/Dog Tihar: This day is dedicated to dogs, who are believed to be the guardians of the house. People worship dogs and offer them food and treats.
• Day 3 (October 28): Laxmi Puja/Main Tihar Day: This is the main day of celebration when Lakshmi Puja is performed. People clean their homes, decorate them with lights and flowers, and offer prayers to Lakshmi.
• Day 4 (October 29): Govardhan Puja/Mha Puja: On this day, people worship Govardhan, a sacred hill in India that is believed to have been lifted by Krishna to protect the villagers from heavy rains.
• Day 5 (October 30): Bhai Tika: This day is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Brothers visit their sisters' homes and receive a tika (vermilion mark) on their forehead from them, symbolizing their protection and well-being.

Rituals of Lakshmi Puja

The rituals of Lakshmi Puja vary slightly from place to place, but the following are some common ones:

• People clean their homes and decorate them with lights, flowers, and rangolis.
• They make offerings of food, fruits, and sweets to Lakshmi.
• They light diyas (lamps) to represent the light and welcome Lakshmi into their homes.
• They recite Lakshmi mantras and hymns.
• They perform aarti, a ritual worship of Lakshmi with lighted lamps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure the successful celebration of Lakshmi Puja, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Do not leave the house unattended during Lakshmi Puja, as it is believed that Lakshmi enters the house at any moment.
• Do not offer non-vegetarian food to Lakshmi, as she is a vegetarian goddess.
• Do not sweep or clean the house after Lakshmi Puja, as it is believed that this may drive away the goddess.

Importance of Lakshmi Puja in Nepali Culture

Lakshmi Puja is an integral part of Nepali culture and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. It is believed that the festival brings prosperity, wealth, and happiness to the household. People look forward to this festival throughout the year and make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the most auspicious way possible.

Conclusion

Lakshmi Puja is a significant festival in Nepal that holds deep cultural and religious importance. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings for prosperity and good fortune. By understanding the significance and rituals of Lakshmi Puja, we can appreciate its importance in Nepali culture and celebrate it with the utmost reverence.

Additional Information

Table 1: Lakshmi Puja Dates 2023-2027

Table 2: Significance of Each Day of Lakshmi Puja

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid During Lakshmi Puja

Table 4: Key Lakshmi Puja Statistics