Kolkata, October 11: Maa Durga has left for her heavenly abode and it is time for Maa Lakshmi to descend on earth and bless her devotees. It is time for celebration again in Kolkata as Bengalis will celebrate Lakshmi puja. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is popularly celebrated by the Bengali community and this year it falls on October 13, which is a Sunday.

Date And Tithi of Kojagori Lakshmi Puja

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on October 13 on Sunday this year. According to Drik Panchang, Purnima Tithi will begin from 12:36 AM on October 13, 2019, and will end at 02:38 AM on October 14, 2019

 Significance of Kojagiri Lokkhi puja:

The word ‘kojagari’ or ‘kojagiri’ is derived from the expression “ko jagorti?” meaning “Who is awake?” According to Hindu legends, Maa Lakshmi descended on the earth on the full moon day of the Ashvin month and is believed to have walked around asking 'who is awake?' and those who answered her sought the divine blessings. On the day of Kojagori Lakshmi or Lokkhi Pujo devotees stay awake all night in order to seek blessings from the goddess of wealth.

In the eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, people pray to Goddess Lakshmi on the full moon day in the lunar month Ashwin. This is called Kojagari Lakshmi Puja or Bengali Lakshmi Puja and is commonly known as Sharad Purnima. However, during Diwali, people worship goddess Lakshmi on Amavasya Tithi.

On the occasion of Kojagori Purnima, devotees especially women in West Bengal observe fast. Bhog or prasad is prepared for Maa Lakshmi, usually kheer and khichdi. In the evening, houses are decorated with traditional ‘alpana’ (Rangoli) and they draw footprints of Lakshmi to invite Goddess into their homes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2019 05:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).