Kojagiri Puja – Worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Ashwin Purnima
Kojagiri Puja is observed
on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Ashwin month in the Hindu
lunar calendar, which typically falls in September–October in the
Gregorian calendar. It is also known as:
- Kojagiri Purnima
- Sharad Purnima
- Bengal Lakshmi Puja
Significance
- Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth,
prosperity, and well-being, is worshipped on this night.
- The word Kojagiri comes from “Ko
Jagarti?” meaning “Who is awake?”—symbolizing that those who stay
awake in devotion are blessed by the Goddess.
- It is believed that Lakshmi
descends to Earth on this night to bless devotees with abundance and
health.
- The festival also coincides with harvest
celebrations in parts of North and Central India.
Rituals & Traditions
- Lakshmi Puja
is performed at homes and community pandals, often led by a priest.
- Offerings include:
- Khichuri
(rice-lentil dish)
- Taaler Phopol
(palmyra fritters)
- Narkel Bhaja
(fried coconut)
- Naru
(sweet coconut balls)
- Other regional sweets
- Alpana
(rice flour rangoli) is drawn at entrances, especially Lakshmi’s
footprints, to welcome Her.
- Devotees stay awake all night,
singing bhajans and kirtans, and lighting lamps to invite Her
blessings.
- Mantras and stotrams
dedicated to Lakshmi are chanted for spiritual merit.
- Women observe a vrat (fast),
breaking it after the puja by offering flattened rice and coconut water
to the Goddess.
Regional Celebrations
- West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha:
Kojagiri Puja is celebrated with grandeur as Bengal Lakshmi Puja.
- Bundelkhand & Bihar:
Sharad Purnima is observed with harvest rituals and Lakshmi worship.
- Central India:
The full moon is considered especially potent for spiritual awakening
and prosperity.
2025 Date: October 06
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