Kojagara Laxmi Puja falls on Saturday, October 28, 2023. It is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi is the symbol of wealth, fortune, and well-being. Hindus in Kolkata, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha celebrate this puja significantly.

The atmosphere grows more unique and spiritual for devotees as the night grows brighter and the beauty of autumn dews appears.

The Significance of Kojagara Laxmi Puja

Kojagara Laxmi Puja falls on the full moon night in the Hindu month of Ashwin, usually in October. The name “Kojagara” suggests wakefulness, highlighting the importance of this festival.

The devotees stay awake throughout the night to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and welcome her into their homes.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees, bringing wealth and prosperity. The festival marks the end of the month-long Ashwin Navratri celebrations.

Kojagara Puja 2023 Timing and Purnima Tithi

Also, read Navratri 2023: What is Ghatasthapana and its Timings

Kojagara Laxmi Puja Rituals and Traditions

Cleaning and Decoration

Preparations begin days in advance. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with colorful rangolis, lamps, diyas, and flowers to create an inviting ambiance.

Observing a Fast

Devotees keep a day-long fast, abstaining from grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food. The fast is broken after the puja.

Awakening Goddess Lakshmi

The puja starts in the evening with the bathing and adorning of Goddess Lakshmi’s idol or image. Prayers, incense, and flowers are offered to invoke her blessings.

Staying Awake

A unique aspect of Kojagora Laxmi Puja is staying awake throughout the night. Devotees engage in activities like singing bhajans, reciting mantras, and sharing stories about Goddess Lakshmi.

Offerings

Sweets, fruits, and traditional dishes are offered to the goddess to please her and bring her blessings into their homes.

Lighting Lamps

Lighting oil lamps, or earthen diyas, is an essential part of the celebration. The soft glow of these lamps is believed to guide Goddess Lakshmi into the homes of her devotees.

Storytelling

Families often gather to share stories associated with Goddess Lakshmi, emphasizing the importance of wealth, gratitude, and generosity.

Also, read 9 Colours of Navratri 2023 With Day and Dates

Why is Laxmi Puja Known as Kojagara Vrat?

Kojagara Vrat, also known as Kojagari Puja, Kojagara Lakshmi Puja, or Lokkhi Puja, is a special tradition where people fast and stay up Jagarna (keeping vigil) the whole night to worship. People celebrate it on Ashwin Purnima, which is also known as Kaumudi, symbolizing the full moon in the month of Ashwin.

Ancient texts like Skandapuran consider this fast to be highly significant. Anyone, regardless of their background, can attain wealth, good health, and blessings for both this life and the next through the observance of Kojagara Vrat.

The ideal time for Kojagara Laxmi Puja is at night, when Purnima occurs in the Nishithvyapini period. No matter one’s background, Kojagara Vrat is available to everyone and teaches us about the power of faith and dedication. It’s a celebration of unity, optimism, and the potential for goodness to impact everyone who participates.

Importance of Kojagara Vrat to Become Rich

The story of Kojagara Vrat is in a special text by Rishi Valakhilya. When Valakhilya’s students asked which Kartika fast was the best, he told them to pray to Goddess Lakshmi with love on the night of Shuklapaksha Purnima in the month of Ashwin.

They say that playing the game of Chausar and having coconut water on this day make Goddess Lakshmi happy. On Kojagara Puja night, people believe that Goddess Lakshmi comes to bless those who stay awake. It’s even said that a poor Brahmin named Valit became rich by doing this fast, so everyone who wants to be rich should follow this ritual.

Also, read Subha Vijaya Dashami 2023 Images and Wishes

Laxmi Puja on an Autumn Night in Assam

Under the captivating autumn night sky, the celebration of Kojagara Laxmi Puja is a mesmerizing experience in the villages of Assam. Earthen lamps and colorful rangoli designs brighten up every village in Assam.

The air is scented with the sweet fragrance of marigolds and night jasmine, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality. Every family performs rituals and prayers in their houses to obtain the blessings of Goddess Laxmi, a symbol of prosperity and success.

The full moonlight casts a gentle, silvery glow on the surroundings. This peaceful gathering symbolizes the lasting cultural traditions of Indian typical villages.

In each home, families share sweets and prasad with the villagers, which includes coconut, sugar, and sira (Assamese flattened rice), spreading happiness and celebrating Laxmi Puja with love.

It also represents the unity within the community. The hopes for a brighter future shine through during Laxmi Puja in the autumn.

This celebration is a meaningful reminder of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India.

Conclusion

Kojagora Laxmi Puja on October 28, 2023, is an opportunity to invite prosperity and positivity into our lives. As we engage in rituals and prayers, we remember that true wealth encompasses more than material possessions.

It includes the richness of our relationships, the depth of our faith, and the kindness we show to others. May Kojagara Laxmi Puja bring abundant blessings, not just for one night but for all the nights to come.

With the help of Drikpanchang

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