To Bengalis, Lakshmi is the daughter of the household. After
Mother Durga departs, the home feels empty and melancholy, and in that vacant
courtyard, Lakshmi’s seat is arranged. The floor is decorated with alpana
(ritual motifs) drawn with paddy stalks and lotus vines.
On the moonlit night of Kojagiri Purnima, she rides
her owl and circles the earth. Wherever she sees light shining, she leaves the
red footprints of her alta-painted feet.
The word Kojagari comes from the Sanskrit phrase “Ke Jagati”, meaning “Who is awake?” It is believed that on this night, the Goddess of Wealth descends to Earth and goes from house to house, asking, “Who is awake?” Wherever she sees light, incense, offerings, and hears sacred chants, she enters and blesses the household. If she finds a dark and silent home, she turns away.
Therefore, there is a tradition of staying awake (a night
vigil or rat jagar) on the day of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, so that when the
Goddess comes and calls, she finds the door open. It is believed in Bengal that those who remain awake and worship Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagari
Lakshmi Puja are blessed abundantly by her. This is why the day has such a name
and why the custom of staying awake exists.
It is said in a shloka (verse): "
निशीथे
वरदा लक्ष्मीः। तस्मै वित्तं प्रयच्छामि अक्षैः क्रीडां करोति यः।।
" This is why many people believe that the Goddess
grants wealth and prosperity to those who stay awake and play a game of dice (pasha)
on the night of Kojagari Purnima.
Whatever the reason, even today, the worship of the Goddess begins in the homes of Bengal right after evening on the day of Lakshmi Puja. The sound of bells (kanshi and ghanta) and conch shells (shankha) are heard, and uludhvani (a celebratory sound made by women) is offered. The worship of the Goddess of Wealth continues until deep into the night.
When is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Observed?
Importance of Bengali Laxmi Puja
In Hinduism, Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes prosperity and wealth and it is believed that on Kojagiri Poornima night in Aashin month she visits the homes of devotees and blesses them. Therefore special Lakshmi Puja is held in the evening on the day in homes.
Alpana Patterns On Lokkhi Puja
How is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Observed?
In Bengal and other parts of- Small clay idols of Goddess Lakshmi are installed in many households and in pandals of in most places.
- It is considered auspicious to light ghee lamps in the house on the day of Lakshmi Puja. It is customary to offer naivedya (offerings) to the Goddess, including Khichuri (a rice and lentil dish), naru (coconut/sweet balls), and taaler phapra (a sweet made from palm fruit).
- The rituals associated with Lakshmi puja varies locally and is also different for different communities.
- The pandals which were erected for Durga Puja also conduct the traditional Lakshmi Puja.
- Elaborate traditional Lakshmi Pujas, which needs the help of a priest or elderly person, are conducted on the day by communities and organizations.
Today, many people also perform a simple Kojagari Lakshmi Puja on the day sticking to the main traditions. Special kit required for the puja are available during the period.
In
Other Similar Rituals Held on the day
- Kojagiri Purnima in Maharashtra and western parts of India
- Kumar Purnima in Odisha
- Navanna Purnima
- Lakshmi Indra Pooja
- Sharad Purnima dedicated to the Ras Lila of Sri Krishna is observed on the day in North India.