Kojagari Lakshmi Puja: A Unique Festivity in Bengali Households on Sharad Purnima

As the city of Kolkata bids farewell to Durga Maa on Vijaya Dashami, a soft autumn breeze blows through the city’s empty streets, heralding a special evening in every Bengali household—Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. It’s a time when air is filled with hope, as homes across Bengal prepare to welcome Maa Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. While the rest of India celebrates Laxmi Puja during Diwali, the full moon night of Ashwin—Kojagari Laxmi Puja holds its own significance for Bengalis. But what makes Kojagari Lakshmi Puja so distinct from the rest of India’s celebrations? Let’s dive into the Kojagari Lakshmi Puja time-dates, rituals, and the essence of this auspicious night.

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2024 Date And Time

Kojagori Lokkhi Puja 2024 will be celebrated on 16th October, Wednesday evening. The most holy time for Kojagari Puja rituals is between 11:42 PM on 16th October and 12:32 AM on 17th October—the period known as Nishith Vyapini, when the goddess is believed to descend and bestow blessings. The Purnima Tithi (full moon phase) begins at 8:40 PM on 16th October and ends at 4:55 PM on 17th October. 

This full moon night, known as Sharad Purnima, holds a special meaning. On this night, Maa Laxmi roams the Earth, searching for homes that are clean, pure, and filled with devotion. The legend says she blesses those who stay awake in prayer, granting them prosperity, health, and happiness.

The Significance of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja

The word "Kojagari" comes from the phrase "Ko jagorti?" meaning "Who is awake?" It is believed that on this night, Maa Lakshmi descends to Earth and blesses those who are awake and devoted to her. According to the Skanda Purana, the night of Ashwin (Sharad Purnima) is the most auspicious time to please Maa Laxmi. Homes are lit up, rituals are performed, and prayers are offered to seek her blessings for prosperity and happiness. It is said that even ordinary beings who observe the Kojagari Vrat with full devotion can attain prosperity, health, and the blessings of children. For Bengalis, Kojagari Lokkhi Puja is more than just a worship of wealth. It’s about honouring the goddess of purity and inviting peace, health, and positivity into the home.

The Rituals of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja: Complete Guide to Perform Kojagari Laxmi Puja

Kojagari Laxmi Puja is a deeply cherished event in Bengali households. The preparations begin early in the day, but the main Lakshmi Puja Vidhi takes place in the evening. Here’s a simple guide to the traditional Kojagari Lakshmi Puja rituals:

• Cleaning the Home: The first step of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is thoroughly cleaning the home, as it’s believed that Maa Laxmi only enters clean, pure spaces.
• Alpana: Drawing Alpana (traditional white and red designs Rangoli) with rice paste, at the entrance and around the puja area is one of the most important customs in Bengal. Often adding tiny footprints to symbolize the goddess’s arrival. 
• Lakshmi Puja Thali: A beautifully decorated Laxmi Puja Thali with flowers, fruits, and a diya along with lotus flowers, which are sacred to Maa Laxmi. The thali is used during the aarti (ritual of waving light), inviting the goddess to bless the family. This ritual is followed by offering prasad like sweets and narkel naru (coconut laddu), luchi-suji (halwa Puri), khichdi and payesh. 
• Puja Katha and Jagarana: Families often gather to read or listen to the Kojagori Lakshmi Puja vrat katha, a story that narrates the power of devotion and the blessings Maa Laxmi bestows on those who stay awake and worship her on this night. Lastly, the jagarana or vigil is one of the most important aspects of the puja. People stay awake through the night, singing devotional songs and lighting diyas, awaiting the goddess’s blessings. 

How Kojagari Laxmi Puja Differs from Diwali Laxmi Puja

In West Bengal, Kojagara Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed by families in their homes rather than in public pandals (like Durga Puja). This puja is celebrated after the monsoon, which was an important time for harvesting. Farmers seek the goddess's blessings for a bountiful harvest which makes the festival associated with wealth and fertility. There are no fireworks or noisy celebrations. While Laxmi Puja during Diwali focuses largely on material wealth and business prosperity, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja in Bengal is more about household prosperity. The beauty of Kojagari lies in its simplicity and the soft glow of clay lamps that light up homes as families wait for Maa Laxmi’s arrival.