KATHMANDU, Nov. 14 -- The third day of Yamapanchak is being celebrated by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence and prosperity, today evening, with devotion.

Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, is being celebrated at every household today. Kukur Tihar is often observed on the second day of Yamapanchak of the Tihar festival. However, this year Laxmi Puja and Kukur Tihar are being observed on the same day, according to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

On the day of Laxmi Puja, people clean their houses and surrounding, illuminate their homes and light butter lamps to 'invite' the goddess to their homes, in the belief that the goddess Laxmi abhors the house which is not cleaned and untidy. In the rural areas where the h...