Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is perfomed in West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam. It falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month Ashwin, September – October according to Gregorian calendar. For the festival date click here. This day is also known as Sharad Poornima in other parts of India.
The Pooja is performed by married women in the evening and a night vigil is observed. The women fast during the day and break the fast at midnight after offering food to Goddess Lakshmi.
The doorways are decorated with a Rangoli known as Alpana. Alpana is prepared using Rice Flour.
Small feet of the goddess leading from the main door into house is drawn using Alpana.
A Kalasha is installed in front of the idol. Offerings like Mustard Oil, Soil from the banks of Ganga, Turmeric, Kumkum, Perfume, Food grains, Grass, Flowers, five kinds of Fruits, Curd, Ghee, Conch shell bangles, Kohl, Yellow thread, Iron bangle, White Mustard Seeds, Rice, Gold, and Honey are placed in plates around the idol of the goddess.
According to the legend, it is believed that a King was in bad financial times and his queen observed this fast and night vigil and worshiped Goddess Lakshmi with full devotion. Soon after, the king regained lost prosperity.
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