October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. This day is also called "Narak Chaturdashi" according to the Vedic Hindu tradition.

The celebration of Laxmi Puja or the worship of the goddess of wealth was observed in evening, according to the lunar calendar.

It is believed that dog is the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death and justice and worshipping dog on this day will please the god.

Dog is also considered as the gate keeper of the God of Death, Yamaraj's palace. Today, the dog is worshipped and fed with delicious food as a sigh of gratitude.

Dog is also the man's best friend and has been domesticated for over thousands of years.

In the evening, Goddess Laxmi -- the goddess of wealth was worshipped with huge celebration among the Hindu devotees.

People clean their houses on this day to welcome the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will be pleased if people maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. People also light candles and oil lamps to welcome the goddess.

Merrymakers visit the households in their neighbourhood singing songs and seeking charities on the occasion of Laxmi Puja and bless the charitable people. Legend has it that tradition was started by the Demon King Bali, who is said to be an ardent devotee of Goddess Laxmi.   

Besides the traditional belief, the festival of Tihar is basically related to the interdependence of human beings with nature. This festival coincides with the harvesting season when there is abundance of food and delicacies to celebrate.