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Shoppers Visit Kathmandu Markets Ahead Of Tihar Festival

People take photos under the decorated lights on the premises of a decked-up temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 17, 2025, as they prepare to celebrate Tihar or Diwali. During Tihar, people light up earthen lamps and candles in their homes for three days while performing Pooja of Goddess Laxmi. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi showers blessings on the houses that glow with lights throughout the night. Laxmi Pooja and the worship of the cow are performed on the same day because Goddess Laxmi is said to have emerged bearing a lotus along with a divine cow when the Devata (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) churned the ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara), as stated in the Vishnu Purana. On the occasion of Laxmi Pooja, also known as Diwali, people in Nepal and India do not let any nook and corner of the house remain dark and light up lamps, candles, and lights, appealing to Goddess Laxmi to shower blessings on them. The Pooja is especially done by the ladies of the family in the presence of all members, reciting the Sri Sukta hymn with the offering of coconut, which is believed to appease Goddess Laxmi. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#12873953
Date Taken	17 October 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

No People Tihar Diwali Kathmandu temple decorated lights celebration earthen lamps candles Goddess Laxmi blessing Laxmi Pooja cow worship lotus divine cow Devata Asuras ocean of milk Ksheera Sagara Vishnu Purana Nepal India lamps lights Sri Sukta hymn coconut offering family night glow Pooja ladies members presence appeal Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto.