Kojagara Puja 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations

Kojagara Puja, celebrated as Kojagari Purnima or Bengal Lakshmi Puja is a significant festival marked by fervent devotion across Assam, West Bengal, and Orissa. Observed on the full moon night (Purnima) of the Ashwin month, this festival aligns with the months of September-October in the Gregorian calendar.

The year 2024 will see Kojagara Puja on October 16, Wednesday.

This auspicious occasion is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, revered as the deity of wealth and prosperity. On this night, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth to bestow her blessings on devotees. The festival is characterized by a midnight vigil, elaborate rituals, and vibrant celebrations, highlighting the cultural richness and religious fervor of the regions where it is observed. Kojagara Puja offers an opportunity for devotees to seek divine favor and celebrate the abundance of life.

Kojagara Puja important timings

Sunrise – October 16, 6:28 AM
Sunset – October 16, 5:56 PM
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – October 16, 11:47 PM – October 17, 12:37 AM
Purnima Tithi Timing – October 16, 08:41 PM – October 17, 04:56 PM

Significance of Kojagara Puja

Kojagara Puja holds deep significance as it is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the revered deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrated on Ashwin Purnima, the full moon night of the Ashwin month, the essence of Kojagara Puja lies in the belief that on this auspicious night, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth to bestow her divine blessings upon her devotees. This belief is rooted in the idea that the full moon night of Ashwin is particularly favorable for receiving the Goddess’s grace. In some regions of India, including Central India, Bundelkhand, and parts of Bihar, this day is also known as Sharad Purnima.

One of the key aspects of Kojagara Puja is the tradition of staying awake throughout the night. Devotees believe that by maintaining a midnight vigil, or Jagran, they demonstrate their devotion and readiness to receive the Goddess’s blessings. This vigil is often filled with devotional singing, bhajans, and kirtans, which are performed to honor Goddess Lakshmi and invite her presence into their homes.
Homes are adorned with lights and lamps to welcome the Goddess, symbolizing the illumination of the soul and the dispelling of darkness. The act of lighting lamps and illuminating homes is a gesture of respect and reverence, reflecting the joyous and festive spirit of the occasion.

By performing these rituals and maintaining the vigil, devotees hope to attract prosperity, health, and good fortune into their lives. Kojagara Puja, therefore, is not just a religious observance but a celebration of divine blessings, reflecting the deep-seated faith and cultural traditions associated with Goddess Lakshmi.

Preparation and Rituals

Setting Up the Puja

Idol Installation: The puja begins with the installation of Goddess Lakshmi’s idol either at home or in community pandals. The idol is typically made of brass, silver, copper, or gold.

Dress and Decorate: The idol is dressed and decorated, and the puja area is cleaned and adorned with flowers and lights.

Midnight Vigil (Jagran)

Observing the Fast: Devotees keep a fast throughout the day and break it only after completing the puja rituals at night. Some devotees, particularly women, observe a strict fast where they abstain from food and water.

Midnight Puja: The main rituals of Kojagara Puja are performed at midnight or Nishita Kaal, which is considered the most auspicious time for worship. Devotees perform a midnight Jagran, staying awake and engaging in devotional singing and prayers.

Offerings

Food Offerings: Various offerings are made to Goddess Lakshmi, including traditional items such as khichuri (a rice and lentil dish), taaler phool (palm flower), narkel bhaja (fried coconut), naru (sweet balls), and other sweets.

Kheer Preparation: A special dish called kheer, made from milk, is prepared. Milk is considered sacred and symbolizes the Moon, which is believed to be particularly beneficial on this night. The kheer is left in the open to absorb the moonlight.

Alpana and Decorations

Drawing Alpana: Women draw Alpana (a traditional floor design) in front of their homes, symbolizing the feet of Goddess Lakshmi. This is done to invite the Goddess into their homes.

Lighting of Lamps

Illumination: Devotees illuminate their homes with earthen lamps and lights to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. A hundred ghee lamps are often lit in front of the Goddess during the puja.

Mantras and Aartis

Chanting: Chanting mantras and stotrams dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi is considered highly rewarding. Aarti (a ritual of waving lighted lamps) is performed to honor the Goddess.

Cultural Significance and Beliefs

Kojagara Puja holds deep cultural significance beyond its religious roots, intertwining with the harvest festival in several regions of India. This festival is celebrated during the full moon night of Ashwin, a time when the harvest season is at its peak. In states like Assam, West Bengal, and Orissa, Kojagara Puja aligns with the harvest festivities, reflecting a time of gratitude for nature’s bounty and abundance.
The cultural importance of Kojagara Puja is evident in its role as a family-centered celebration. It is a time when family members gather to partake in rituals, share festive meals, and express their gratitude for the year’s harvest. The festival’s observance often includes communal activities such as preparing and sharing traditional dishes, which further strengthens familial bonds and community spirit.

Additionally, Kojagara Puja is marked by vibrant local traditions and practices. Homes and public spaces are decorated with lights and colorful decorations, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The festival serves as a moment of reflection and reverence, where people come together to honor Goddess Lakshmi and celebrate the fruits of their labor. Through its blend of religious worship and cultural festivities, Kojagara Puja reinforces the values of gratitude, prosperity, and unity within the community.

Kojagara Vrat Katha

The Kojagara Vrat Katha associated with Kojagara Puja highlights the significance of observing the fast and rituals with dedication. According to this popular tale, there was once a moneylender who had two daughters. The elder daughter strictly adhered to the Kojagara Vrat, while the younger daughter, due to her ignorance and negligence, failed to observe the fast properly.

The younger daughter’s failure to follow the prescribed rituals led to a tragic turn of events. Her children began to fall ill, and ultimately, they started dying one by one. The situation grew increasingly dire, and the distressed mother sought the help of a wise sage to understand the cause of her misfortunes.

Upon investigation, the sage revealed that her suffering was a direct consequence of her failure to observe the Kojagara Vrat correctly. The sage explained the importance of following the ritual with complete devotion and adherence to ensure the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. He instructed the younger daughter on how to perform the fast and puja as per the traditional guidelines.

The younger daughter, guided by the sage’s advice, performed the Kojagara Vrat with sincere devotion. She meticulously followed every aspect of the ritual, including the midnight vigil, offerings, and prayers. Miraculously, her fortunes changed; her children’s health improved, and her family’s prosperity was restored.

This legend underscores the essential nature of observing Kojagara Puja with genuine faith and precision. It illustrates that the ritual’s efficacy is closely tied to the devotion with which it is performed. By following the Kojagara Vrat as prescribed, devotees not only seek Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings but also reaffirm their commitment to religious traditions and practices.

Conclusion

Kojagara Puja is a deeply significant festival that honors Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Celebrated with great devotion and fervor, this festival involves elaborate rituals, including the observance of a midnight vigil, or Jagran, which is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. By participating in Kojagara Puja, devotees engage in sacred practices that are thought to bring substantial benefits, such as financial prosperity and divine favor.

The festival provides an opportunity for individuals to express their gratitude and seek Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for a prosperous and joyful life. It reinforces the values of devotion, tradition, and community spirit. As you celebrate Kojagara Puja this year, may the illuminating presence of Goddess Lakshmi fill your life with abundance, joy, and happiness. May her divine blessings bring prosperity and fulfillment to you and your loved ones, making this auspicious occasion truly memorable and transformative.