Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja being celebrated together today

KATHMANDU: On the second day of Tihar, Sunday, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja are being celebrated on the same day.

Due to the shifting duration of lunar dates (tithi), Chaturdashi tithi (the 14th lunar day) falls during the daytime while Aunshi tithi (the new moon day) begins in the evening.

Consequently, the Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee decided in accordance with Vedic scriptures to observe both festivals on the same day.

In the morning, dogs are worshipped as messengers of Yamaraj (the god of death). In the evening, devotees will worship Goddess Mahalaxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and illuminate their homes for Deepawali (the festival of lights).

Dogs are not viewed merely as animals; they are revered as messengers of Yamaraj and the mount of Lord Bhairava (a fierce manifestation of Shiva).