Kindly note DFW Kalakars 1st Kojagori Lokkhi Puja 2023 is invitation based due to limited venue capacity..!
Kojagari Purnima (also known as Sharad Purnima, Kumar Purnima, or Navanna Purnima) is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashwin month (September-October). It marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. Kojagari Purnima is especially celebrated in Bengal and Assam, where it is known for its unique rituals and traditions.
Meaning of Kojagari Purnima
The word "Kojagari" comes from the Bengali words "koja" (who) and "jagori" (awake). It literally means "who is awake?". This is because it is believed that on the night of Kojagari Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits the homes of her devotees to bless them. She is said to be especially pleased with those who are awake and engaged in worship during this time.
Significance of Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Purnima is a significant festival for Hindus for a number of reasons. First, it marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. This is a time of great joy and celebration for farmers and their families. Second, Kojagari Purnima is a day to worship Goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are sought by all. Third, Kojagari Purnima is a night of spiritual awakening. It is a time to reflect on one's life and to seek the blessings of God.
Rituals and traditions of Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Purnima is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. However, there are some common rituals and traditions that are followed by most Hindus on this day.
Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi: On the night of Kojagari Purnima, Hindus perform a special puja to worship Goddess Lakshmi. They offer her flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings. They also recite mantras and prayers in her honor.
Keeping vigil: Many Hindus also observe a night vigil on Kojagari Purnima. They stay awake all night, singing devotional songs and chanting mantras. This is done to please Goddess Lakshmi and to seek her blessings.
Preparing kheer: Kheer, a sweet rice pudding, is a popular offering to Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagari Purnima. It is also prepared and eaten by many Hindus on this day.
Placing bowls of milk under the moonlight: In some parts of India, Hindus place bowls of milk under the moonlight on Kojagari Purnima. It is believed that the moonlight has a special healing power on this night. The milk is then consumed the next morning as a prasad (blessed food).
Kojagari Purnima is a joyous and auspicious festival for Hindus. It is a time to celebrate the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is also a time to worship Goddess Lakshmi and to seek her blessings for wealth and prosperity.