The sacred night of Sharad Purnima is considered exceptionally auspicious for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. During this night, Kojagari Puja is performed, where devotees stay awake throughout the night to offer prayers to the goddess. Let us examine when Kojagari Puja will fall in the year 2026, along with the precise auspicious timings and rituals.
When Is Kojagari Puja in 2026?
This year, Kojagari Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, October 25, 2026. It is also widely known as Bengali Lakshmi Puja during Kojagari Purnima. Due to the longstanding tradition of staying awake at night to worship Goddess Lakshmi, it is called the Kojagari fast. This festival enjoys special popularity in the region of West Bengal. It is considered extremely auspicious to donate certain items on this day, which brings prosperity to the household.
Auspicious Timings for Worship
According to Vedic calculations, the Purnima tithi and the auspicious nighttime hours hold special significance for Kojagari Puja. This year, the Purnima tithi will begin on October 25 at 11:55 AM and will conclude on October 26 at 9:41 AM. The Nishita Kaal for the ritualistic worship will last from 11:40 PM on October 25 until 12:31 AM in the late night of October 26.
Religious Significance of Kojagari
According to religious beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi wanders across the Earth on the night of Sharad Purnima to observe who is staying awake and worshipping her with complete devotion. The phrase 'Ko Jagarti' translates to 'Who is awake', from which the name Kojagari is derived. It is believed that performing worship and vigil with utmost sincerity on this night brings immense happiness and prosperity into the home.
How to Worship Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagari
On the day of Kojagari Puja, one must first clean the entire house and the designated worship area. Earthen lamps should be lit at the main entrance, and decorative rangolis should be drawn. At night, lamps are lit in front of the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi to carry out the prayers. Following this, the Ashta Lakshmi should be worshipped, and individuals can recite the Sri Sukta or Lakshmi Chalisa. The deity is offered kheer, fresh fruits, sweets, and pure vegetarian dishes.
Significance of Kheer Offering and Vigil
Moonlight and kheer hold unique importance on the occasion of Sharad Purnima. In many households, a long-standing tradition involves placing kheer in a clean vessel under the open moonlight throughout the entire night. The following morning, this is consumed as prasad. Devotees spend the night engaged in devotional songs, chanting mantras, and keeping vigil to honour Goddess Lakshmi.
