Equality in blessings

As Goddess Laxmi is considered the Goddess of Wealth, actor Gauri Malla hopes that the Goddess provides wealth to all.

“The rich and affluent have everything they need, so I hope even unprivileged ones get richer and there is equality among all. I hope that people get in the habit of doing hard work, if someone is hard working, wealth will obviously follow.”

Finally she wishes that those playing cards win, for those who offer prayers, their prayers are answered.

Blissfully content

“Laxmi sanga Laxmi nai maginchha (You ask for Laxmi from Laxmi),” said sports personality Hari Khadka. “I would wish that there is no shortage of wealth and to have it in sufficient amount when I need it,” he added.

It’s not only for himself but also for everyone in the nation that he prays for this. He feels that instead of people just praying to hoard more and more money, they should learn to be content with what they have. “People are never satisfied, no matter how much they have, but I think people should learn to be satisfied with what they have. That is what I have learnt to do and that gives me happiness,” said Khadka.

As for his sisters, he would like to bless them with marital bliss and prays that troubles stay out of their lives.

Melodic requests

It’s the small little details like filling a lota (utensil) with water, making marks of footprints and the beautiful tunes of Bhailo that singer Ciney Gurung loves about Laxmi puja. “Personally on Laxmi puja I would pray that I get to do the videos of all my songs from my new album, as I missed out on a lot of songs from my last one. I hope God sends me angels in the form of humans who will help me accomplish this.”

She added, “And of course I’d wish Goddess Laxmi showers wealth upon all Nepalis and abolishes poverty. I wish everyone one has enough to provide for themselves for good food and shelter.”

As for a special friend she said, “I really do wish that my guitarist Sanjay Dangol gets a semi-acoustic Takamine guitar.”

Colourful gaiety

Artist Pramila Bajracharya is busy and excited with the Tihar celebrations. The colourful ambience, the scent of flowers always invigorates her during Tihar. Of the various celebrations, it’s the Mha puja (worship of self), making the mandaps and doing the pujas with her huge family and celebrating Nepal Sambat that she looks forward to. New year is a time for new beginnings and hopes, and she shared, “I hope I can make better and innovative creations than the ones I have been doing.”

And making a special wish for her unwell father, she wishes he will get healthy this coming year.

But that’s not all, she also wishes peace for all Nepalis.

Steady rise

“On New Year’s I would hope for the good of our country,” said sports personality Sangina Vaidya, who is excitedly anticipating Mha puja, when she gets a time

to enjoy herself with her

family sitting in long lines

for the special festivities. As her brother will not be home this year, she says, “I hope he

will spend more time with family.”

As for herself, as she has continued to achieve one feat after another steadily she said, “This year also I hope I get success in the things I do, and perform better as a coach.”

Double bonanza

Bhai tika is certainly the most cherished day for most people, but it holds even more significance for artist Manish Lal Shrestha not only because five of his sisters will be showering him with blessings, but it’s his birthday as well.

“It’s a really special occasion for me. In the mornings we have a great time doing Bhai tika pujas and is followed by birthday celebrations in the evening when everyone gathers at our place,” said Shrestha.

It’s love, care, support and sharing that he wishes for his sisters and everyone that he knows. However, since two of his sisters are abroad, he wishes that they celebrate life wherever they are. “I think more than anything else it’s important to be content and happy, spread positive vibes all around,” he added.

And he sure knows how to make this day special for all, as though it’s his birthday, its not only he who receives gifts, but he also gives gifts to all those who come. “This day is all about sharing gifts and happiness, it’s a very touching and fabulous day,” he added.