Kojagori Lakshmi Puja is one of Bengal’s most beloved autumn festivals, celebrated on the full moon night of Ashwin, about a week after Durga Puja. The occasion is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine symbol of wealth, prosperity, and purity.
The word Kojagori comes from “Ko Jagori?” meaning “Who is awake?”—signifying that Maa Lakshmi visits the homes of those who remain awake through the night in devotion and prayer.
The Significance of Kojagori Lakshmi Puja
This festival is a reminder that prosperity is not just material—it is spiritual and moral too. Devotees believe that Maa Lakshmi blesses the clean, humble, and devoted, filling their homes with abundance and peace.
The night of Kojagori Purnima symbolizes the triumph of light, purity, and hard work over darkness, greed, and laziness.
Purity Begins at Home
Preparation for the puja begins days in advance. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated to welcome the goddess.
The floors are adorned with Alpana (rangoli)—beautiful hand-drawn motifs featuring lotus flowers and goddess footprints, guiding Lakshmi into the household.
Instead of traditional idols, many Bengalis worship a Sora—a hand-painted clay disc depicting the goddess. It is placed on a small altar and surrounded by earthen lamps, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.
Traditional Offerings and Rituals
A grand feast known as Bhog is prepared and offered to the goddess. It includes:
- Naru (sweet coconut balls)
- Khichuri and Luchi
- Payesh (rice pudding)
- A variety of homemade sweets
Sacred scriptures like Lokkhi Panchali and Vrat Katha are recited during the rituals. Married women often wear white sarees with red borders and gold jewellery, symbolising purity and prosperity. These acts of devotion invite the goddess’s blessings into the family.
Staying Awake in Devotion
A special feature of Kojagori Puja is the Jagarana, where devotees stay awake all night chanting hymns, singing bhajans, and meditating in peace.
It is believed that those who remain awake in sincere prayer receive unbroken blessings of wealth, health, and happiness. The night is kept calm and pure—free from noise and distractions—to maintain a sacred atmosphere.
The Spirit of Gratitude and Togetherness
Beyond rituals, Kojagori Lakshmi Puja strengthens family bonds and gratitude. Families gather to light lamps, share prasad, and offer prayers together.
By honouring Maa Lakshmi, devotees also embrace values of discipline, humility, and thankfulness, creating a home that radiates peace and positivity.
A Night of Light, Faith, and Abundance
Kojagori Lakshmi Puja is not just a festival—it is a celebration of harmony between spiritual devotion and worldly prosperity. Through purity of heart, collective prayer, and an awakened spirit, devotees welcome Maa Lakshmi’s divine grace, inviting wealth, wisdom, and well-being into their lives.
Feature Image Credit: AI-generated image created with Google Gemini, October 25, 2026