Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2023: A Celebration of Wealth and Prosperity
Apamar Bengalis in Bangladesh and West Bengal Celebrate This Special Day
On the night of the full moon in the Hindu month of Ashwin, or Sharad Purnima, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is held. Sharad Purnima falls on October 28, 2023 this year.
Hindus in Bangladesh and West Bengal known as Apamar Bengalis, particularly enjoy Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. Worshippers of the goddess of riches and success, Lakshmi, adore her on this day in hopes of obtaining her blessings for a happy future.
Usually conducted at night, the puja is attended to by devotees who keep watch (jagaran) all night long. On the eve of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, it is thought that Goddess Lakshmi makes a visit to earth and bestows blessings on people who are awake and in adoration of her.
Devotees of Goddess Lakshmi engage in many ceremonies during Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, aside from her worship:
* Presenting Goddess Lakshmi with khichuri, a rice and lentil dish from Bengal.
* Lighting and arranging oil lights, or diyas, throughout the house.
* Leaving a platter of candy and cash on the altar for puja.
* Reciting hymns and chants in devotion to Goddess Lakshmi.
It is a happy and joyful festival, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, when families get together to commemorate the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
