Kathmandu, October 16
Hindus across the country are observing the Kojagrat Poornima (full moon day) today as part of the final day of the 15-day Bada Dashain festival by worshipping and paying homage to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The Bada Dashain festival formally ends today with the marking of the Kojagrat Poornima–devotees worship Mahalaxmi at their homes in the evening, and keep vigil the whole night.
There is a belief that the goddess Mahalaxmi takes a trip around the world on the night of Kojagrat Poornima ‘to check as to who is observing the vigil on this particular night’. As per this belief, the goddess of wealth blesses the people who are found observing the overnight vigil, said a Member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Prof Devmani Bhattarai.
Since the ritual of giving and receiving Tika and Jamara of the Dashain festival also concludes on this day, the Jamara that is sprouted and anointed at the Dashainghar and Kot on the day of Ghatasthapana is disposed of in ponds, rivers and holy places as per the religious tradition.
People also perform worship at the Swoyambhu Chaitya and observe the night vigil by lighting the Mahadeep lamp.
