Sharad Purnima is one of the most important Purnima (Full Moon) in the Hindu calendar. While the rituals differ across the country, Bengalis observe Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja, also known as Kojagari Lokkhi Pujo or Kojagari Lokkhi Puja, on Sharad Purnima. With the culmination of a five-day Durga Puja celebration, devotees begin the preparations to welcome Goddess Lakshmi at their home. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, is worshipped by devotees through auspicious rituals and traditions. Ahead of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2024, in this article, we bring you the Lokkhi Puja date, auspicious timings, Purnima tithi, vrat katha, Kojagara puja time, rituals and significance.

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2024 Date and Auspicious Timings

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2024 falls on October 16. The Kojagara Puja Nishita timings start from 11:59 PM and continue till 12:48 AM on October 17. The moonrise timing on Kojagara Puja Day is 05:26 PM. In addition, the Purnima tithi starts at 08:40 PM on October 16 and ends at 04:55 PM on October 17.

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Significance

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is majorly celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha and Assam. The name ‘Kojagiri’ is derived from the Bengali word ‘Kojagra,’ which means, ‘who is awake.’ According to the Kojagari vrat legends, Goddess Lakshmi visits Earth on the night of Ashwin Purnima and bestows wealth, prosperity and divine blessings to her devotees who are awake.

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Vrat

Since the Jagarana happens on the night, the Kojagari Lakshmi Puja vrat is called Kojagara Vrat or Kojagari Puja. The full moon of Ashwin month is also known as Kaumudi, which is why another name of this auspicious vrat is called Kaumudi Vrat. Kojagara Vrat is considered extremely auspicious. Anyone who observes a fast on this day are bestowed with divine blessings, opulence and good health.

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Rituals

The Kojagari Lakshmi Puja rituals involve devotees cleaning the designated puja area. They place the idol, light incense sticks and oil lamps, offer fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets, and recite Goddess Lakshmi mantras and prayers to create a sacred ambience and seek her blessings for prosperity and wellbeing. Following the puja, devotees prepare a vegetarian feast, including khichi, labra, taler pithe, and other dishes. They further make kheer and keep it under moonlight.

The auspicious occasion of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is extremely significant among the devotees. The festival is much than a religious ritual. It celebrates tradition, devotion and deep connection among the people. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja depicts the importance of gratitude and blessings of Maa Lokkhi’s grace.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2024 12:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).