Kojagara Puja 2023: Date, Time, Rituals, Benefits And Significance
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One of the most fortunate days in Hinduism is known as Kojagara Puja. It is intended to be used for Goddess Lakshmi devotion on Purnima in the Ashwin month. In the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Orissa, the day is cherished and joyfully observed. It is observed in September or October, depending on the Gregorian calendar.
The celebration is also known as “Kojagari Purnima” or “Bengal Lakshmi Puja.” Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance, joy, and prosperity, and it is believed that those who worship her on Ashwin Purnima are bestowed with much wealth and fortune.
Kojagara Puja Date 2023
Saturday, 28 October 2023
In some parts of the country, the eve of Kojagara Puja is also known as “Sharad Purnima.” The event is widely observed in a small portion of Bihar and Bundelkhand. Midnight, or Nishita Kaal, is the most auspicious time to perform the puja ceremonies. The main and most important part of the puja is keeping watch throughout the night, which requires the devotees to execute a midnight Jagran. Kojagara (Ko + Jagara) is a phrase used to describe someone who keeps watch during the night. The holy blessing of Goddess Lakshmi is showered to the devotees who conduct midnight jagaran and subsequently observe Lakshmi Puja.
Kojagara Puja Rituals
- The Kojagara Puja is a time when devotees worship and pray to the goddess Lakshmi. In pandals or homes, the deity’s idol is positioned or installed.
- The Kojagara Puja rituals vary from one location and religion to another.
- Devotees do a Lakshmi Puja under the direction of a priest.
- To obtain the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, narkel bhaja, taaler phol, naru, khichuri, and sweets are served.
- Women decorate their homes with Alpana on this particular day because it symbolises the feet of the goddess Lakshmi.
- On this day, it is believed, Goddess Lakshmi visits all the homes and bestows her divine blessings for luck and enormous prosperity.
- In order to please the Goddess, the devotees keep vigil throughout the night and recite mantras, kirtans, and bhajans.
- Devotees light up their homes with earthen lamps and lights to welcome the Goddess.
- On this day, devotees also maintain a fast, refraining from eating or drinking anything throughout the day.
- The devotees may break their fast after finishing all the rites and presenting coconut water and flattened rice to Goddess Lakshmi.
Kojagara Puja Significance
To appease Goddess Lakshmi, Kojagara Puja is performed. The Hindu festival of Purnima, which occurs in the month of Ashwin, is known as the “Night of Awakening” and is when Maa Lakshmi is said to appear on Earth to bless her devotees. The deity bestows prosperity, wealth, and heavenly favours upon the worshippers who perform the puja rituals with the utmost dedication. The Kojagara celebration falls on the same day as the harvest festival in the states of North India.