Essay on “Kojagari Purnima” Festival
The full moon day of Ashwin is called the Kojagari Purnima when people stay awake till late at night by observing fasts. This ceremony owes its origin to the Kojagari Purnima Vrat sacred to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra.
The ritual is to fast the whole day and after worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra at night break their fasts by offering coconut water and flattered rice to the gods. Again puja of the moon is performed and naivaidya of condensed milk is offered.
According to the scriptures, it is permissible to indulge in playing with dice on this day as it is regarded to bring fortune. It is assumed that on Kojagari night Goddess Lakshmi visits every house asking ‘Ko Jagarati’ meaning ‘Who is awake’. To welcome her, houses, temples, streets, etc. are illuminated. A light is lit outside one’s house lest Goddess Lakshmi, the harbinger of wealth and prosperity while going on her rounds, overlooks and pauses to bestow her blessings.
