Dhaka:Lakshmi Puja, a significant religious festival for the Hindu community, is scheduled to be celebrated tomorrow, Sunday, with traditional religious fervor and enthusiasm. The event marks a major occasion in the Hindu calendar, taking place on the first full-moon night following Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for Hindus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this full-moon night is referred to as "Kujagori Purnima," hence the festival is also known as "Kujagori Lakshmi Puja." It is widely believed among Hindus that Goddess Lakshmi visits to bestow blessings of prosperity on this night of Purnima. Bengali Hindus customarily perform Lakshmi Puja in their homes to honor this belief.
The festival is traditionally associated with the full moon in the month of Ashwin, though special worship of Goddess Lakshmi also takes place every Thursday in some areas. Additionally, certain regions observe the worship on 'Dipanwita Amavasya,' the new moon night connected with Diwali. The rituals involve using a consecrated pot (ghat) or an idol, performed either individually or collectively.
Goddess Lakshmi, according to scriptures, embodies wealth and prosperity and is venerated as the deity of progress, light, knowledge, and good fortune, among others. Her divine vehicle is the owl. Historically, from kings to ordinary householders, all have worshipped Goddess Lakshmi on this auspicious night, believing she blesses homes with abundance.
The Vishuddha Siddhanta Panjika, a recognized Hindu almanac, states that Kojagari Lakshmi Puja will be observed on Sunday, October 25, with the Purnima Tithi beginning at 1155 am and ending at 941 am on October 26. The festival involves various rituals including the recitation of 'Lakshmi'r Panchali,' narrative verses about Goddess Lakshmi.
Essential items for the puja include vermilion, a consecrated pot, unhusked rice, mango leaves, flowers, durva grass, tulsi leaves, and other offerings. The courtyard is decorated with alpona patterns, depicting the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, and women observe a fast while staying awake throughout the night.
The term 'Kojagari' translates to "Who is awake?" emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits each home on this night. If she finds the doors closed and residents asleep, she moves on, which is why an all-night vigil is observed. Many Bengali Hindu families also conduct a ritual worship of the Goddess every Thursday.
Fasting and drawing alpona patterns, specifically Goddess Lakshmi's footprints, are integral parts of the celebrations.