Kojagara 2017

In West Bengal, Orissa and Assam, the most important day to worship Goddess Lakshmi falls on the full moon day in lunar month Ashwin. Lakshmi Puja on Purnima Tithi in month of Ashwin is known as Kojagara Puja and more commonly known as Bengal Lakshmi Puja. Kojagara Puja Purnima is more famously known as Sharad Purnima in most parts of India.

The word “Kojagara” is a combination of two words, “Kah” and “jagara”, which means “who is awake?” This is what the goddess Lakshmi said when she descended to the earth on the night of the full moon in the month of Asvin. She blesses all those who are awake with wealth and prosperity, so the festivities go on all night. Kojagara is a harvest festival and is celebrated throughout India.

There is a legend about a king who fell into dire financial issues. When his queen observed the fast and night vigil in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, their fortunes were reversed and prosperity returned to them.