Kojagara Puja
Hindus celebrate Kojagara Puja, also called Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, in honour of the goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the goddess of prosperity and fortune. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the event is held on the full moon night of Ashwin month, which normally occurs in September or October. Here are a some of the festival’s main features:
Goddess Lakshmi: Followers honour her in the hopes of obtaining her blessings for material success, happiness, and prosperity.
Sharad Purnima: Kojagara Puja falls on the night of Sharad Purnima, which is distinguished by a brilliant full moon. The planet is said to receive the moon’s feeding and healing rays on this particular night.
Seasonal Transition: The harvest season begins with Kojagara Puja, which signifies the conclusion of the rainy season. It is a moment to give thanks for the abundant harvest and ask for blessings for continued prosperity in the future.
Mythological Connection: It is said that on Kojagari night, Goddess Lakshmi comes down to earth to bestow blessings on people who are awake and committed to her. The Sanskrit word “Ko Jagarti?” means “Who is awake?” and is the source of the name “Kojagara”.
Health and Well-Being: Because of the unique lunar rays, Sharad Purnima night is thought to have benefits for health. Before being eaten, traditional desserts like kheer (rice pudding) are left to receive the positive energy from the moon.
Fasting: A lot of followers fast all day long.
Puja Ceremony: Usually at midnight, the puja is held at night. Offerings of flowers, fruits, candies, and other customary goods are made in honour of an idol or picture of the goddess Lakshmi.
Mantras and Bhajans: In addition to singing bhajans, or devotional songs, in honour of Lakshmi, devotees repeat her mantras.
Keeping up: It is usual to remain up the entire night because it is said that Goddess Lakshmi visits houses of the awakened and bestows riches upon people who do so.
Alpana/Rangoli: Women use lovely alpana, a kind of traditional floor drawing, or rangoli, decorative designs created with coloured powders, to adorn their homes.
Cultural Considerations:
Community Gatherings: To celebrate together, people in some areas congregate at temples or community centres.
Distribution of Prasad: A special prasad, or sacred food offering, is made and given to worshippers.
Regional Differences:
Bengal: Kojagara is widely observed in West Bengal, where festivities typically include communal feasts and cultural events.
Maharashtra: Known by another name, Kojagiri Purnima, is a festival celebrated in Maharashtra that involves having sweetened milk that has been infused with cardamom and saffron under the moon, signifying the blessings of the moon.
Date- 16th Oct, 2024
Day – Wednesday
Kojagara Puja Nishita Time – 23:42 to 24:32
