Mumbai: Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, also known as Kojagori Purnima, is a festival dedicated to honouring Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. This celebration occurs on the night of the full moon in the month of Ashwin.
During Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, devotees prepare a variety of offerings, such as sweets and fruits, and adorn their homes with intricate rangoli designs. It is customary to keep a vigil throughout the night, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on this auspicious night to bless them with prosperity.
According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi is thought to visit homes on this full moon night, blessing those who stay awake and celebrate her presence. She is revered in eight different forms, and meditating on any of these manifestations can invoke her blessings upon devotees.
Kojagari Purnima 2024
Kojagari Purnima will be observed on 16 October 2024. The Purnima Tithi begins at 8:40 pm on 16 October and concludes at 4:55 pm on 17 October. Following Udayatithi, the Kojagari Puja celebrations will take place on the night of 16 October 2024, with the Nishita Kaal moment for the puja occurring from 11:42 pm to 12:32 am.
This puja honours Goddess Lakshmi, highlighting the significance of financial well-being and abundance. Devotees seek her blessings for stability and overall prosperity in their lives.
Staying awake during the night symbolises vigilance and readiness to receive divine blessings, reinforcing the importance of spiritual awareness.
Kojagari Puja is a cherished tradition among various communities, reflecting cultural values and promoting a sense of togetherness among families and friends. It strengthens community bonds as families gather to celebrate, prepare offerings, and participate in rituals.
This festival provides devotees with an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings they have received throughout the year.
Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja rituals
During Kojagiri Puja, devotees honour Goddess Lakshmi by setting up her idols in their homes or community pandals. The specific rituals for Kojagiri Puja can differ between communities. An elaborate Lakshmi Puja is typically conducted under the guidance of a priest, where various offerings such as ‘khichuri’, ‘taaler phool’, ‘narkel bhaja’, ‘naru’, and sweets are made to please the goddess and seek her divine blessings.
Lakshmi Puja Alpana
On the day of Kojagiri Puja, women create beautiful Alpana designs at the entrances of their homes. This artwork often symbolises the feet of Goddess Lakshmi and is a common sight in households during the festival.
Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits every home on this day, bestowing prosperity and good fortune upon those who remain awake. To honour her, people keep a night vigil, engaging in bhajans and kirtans in praise of the goddess. As a welcoming gesture, homes are illuminated with lights throughout the night of Kojagiri Puja.
Chanting mantras and stotrams dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi is also considered highly auspicious on this day. Many devotees, especially women, observe a fast during Kojagiri Puja, refraining from food and drink throughout the day. They break the fast after the evening puja by offering flattened rice and coconut water to Goddess Lakshmi.
Significance of Kojagiri Purnima and Lakshmi Puja
Kojagiri Puja is celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered as the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The Purnima in the month of Ashwin is considered the ‘Night of Awakening,’ as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth to bless her devotees.
On Kojagiri Puja, devotees offer their heartfelt prayers and dedication in hopes of receiving her generous blessings. The celebration of Kojagiri Puja also coincides with the harvest festival in northern India, adding to its significance in the cultural calendar.
