Kojagari Laxmi Puja in Kolkata: The Essence and Differences, Date, Time, Ritual
The faithful and the curious alike are invited to immerse themselves in this celebration’s bright embrace. Kojagari Laxmi Puja is a brilliant diamond among Indian celebrations; it is not as grand as Diwali Laxmi Puja, but it is just as important to Bengalis’ lives.
Keep reading the article, as hare, we’re discussing the importance of Kojagari Laxmi Puja, its unique aspects, and the key information about Kojagari Laxmi Puja in Kolkata, including its date and time!
Kojagari Laxmi Puja vs. Diwali Laxmi Puja: What’s The Difference
To appreciate the essence of Kojagari Laxmi Puja, it’s crucial to understand the difference between it and the more popular Diwali Laxmi Puja.
1. Timing: Kojagari Laxmi Puja is typically performed on the night of the full moon (Purnima) in the Bengali month of Ashwin. And, when it comes to Diwali Laxmi Puja, it is held on the new moon night of the Hindu month of (Kartik).
2. Focus: While Kojagari Laxmi Puja is a separate ceremony honoring Goddess Laxmi, Diwali Laxmi Puja is part of the larger Diwali celebration.
3: Customs: Kojagari Laxmi Puja is celebrated in a more conventional and straightforward way, with a focus on cultural rituals, family get-togethers, and devotion. Diwali Laxmi Puja is frequently marked by grander festivities and fireworks.
Importance of Kojagari Laxmi Puja in Kolkata
Bengalis hold Kojagari Laxmi Puja in great significance for a number of reasons:
1. Goddess of Wealth: It is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People of Kolkata believe that on this auspicious night, Goddess Laxmi visits homes to bless them with wealth and fortune.
2. Cultural Tradition: This puja is not just a religious occasion, but also a cultural custom that brings families together. To welcome the Goddess, Bengali homes are decorated with lamps and “alpana” (traditional floor art).
3. Fasting & Feasting: Kojagari Laxmi Puja devotees break their fast after the puja ceremony with a grand feast. The highlight of the festival is the feast, called “bhog”, which consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes and sweets.
4. Chants and Prayers: A calm and spiritual ambiance is created throughout the night by the beautiful chants, devotional music, and prayers to the Goddess Laxmi.
Kojagari Laxmi Puja 2023: Date and Time
Kojagari Laxmi Puja will be going to celebrate on the evening of the full moon, of Kojagari Purnima, in the Bengali month of Ashwin in 2023. The exact date and time can be found in the Almanac (a book containing a calendar of the days), and it is crucial to follow the lunar calendar for exact timing.
Kojagari Laxmi Puja 2023 will take place on October 28, 2023, from 10:55 PM to 11:46 PM. Purnima Tithi will take place on October 28, 2023, starting at 4:17 AM, and lasting for 50 minutes, ending at 01:53 AM on October 29, 2023.
As the celebration gets underway, the family gathers around the beautifully painted image of Goddess Laxmi to ask for her blessings for a prosperous year ahead. Devotees perform the Kojagari Laxmi Puja while being guided by a priest. To receive the divine blessings of Goddess Laxmi, everyone offers narkel bhaja, taaler phol, naru, khichuri, and sweets.
“Vidhi” of Kojagari Laxmi Puja: How It is Celebrated in Kolkata:
Kojagari Laxmi Puja celebrated in Kolkata is not only a religious occasion, it’s a cultural tradition that embodies the commitment and principles of the Bengali community. It is a celebration of family, unity, and the belief in the Goddess of Wealth.
Kojagari Laxmi Puja begins in the evening with a special puja ceremony. This bright occasion is also known as Sharad Purnima in certain regions of India. One distinctive tradition associated with this festival is the practice of keeping kheer (a sweet rice pudding) in the moonlight during the midnight hour, known as “nishita kaal”, which is considered highly auspicious for performing various puja rituals.
A notable aspect of Kojagara Puja is the observance of a midnight Jagran, where devotees stay awake throughout the night. Those who diligently maintain this nightlong watch are referred to as “Kojagara” (a combination of “Ko” and “Jagara”). By participating in the Lakshmi Puja after the midnight Jagran, devotees seek the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
The Kojagari Laxmi Puja is a lovely and spiritually enlightening custom that, through the worship of Goddess Laxmi and the inviting of prosperity into one’s home. It draws the people of Kolkata and Bengal closer to their cultural heritage. The difference between this puja and Diwali Laxmi Puja deepens India’s rich history and diversity, making each festival unique and special in its own right.
