KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 25
Kojagrat Purnima, marking the conclusion of the 15-day Bada Dashain festival, is being observed across the country today with prayers to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Devotees worship Mahalaxmi at their homes in the evening and stay awake throughout the night, according to the traditional belief that the goddess visits the world to see who remains awake and blesses those observing the vigil.
Dr Purushottam Bhattarai, chairperson of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, said the day also marks the end of the practice of giving and receiving Dashain tika and jamara. Jamara grown and consecrated during Ghatasthapana is discarded in accordance with religious traditions.
Devotees also worship at the Swayambhu Chaitya and light the Mahadeep lamp as part of the observance.
According to the committee-approved calendar, special worship of Tulasi (holy basil) following the start of the Kartik ritual bathing period will begin on Monday. The Akashdeep lighting ceremony will also start on Monday evening.