Lakshmi Puja, a major religious festival of the Hindu community, will be celebrated on Sunday with due religious fervour and enthusiasm.
The Puja takes place on the first full-moon night after the end of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Hindus.
This full-moon night is also called ‘Kujagori Purnima’, and that is why this puja is also known as ‘Kujagori Lakshmi Puja’.
The Hindus believe that Goddess Lakshmi arrives to receive worship on the night of Purnima to give blessings of prosperity.
According to the Vishuddha Siddhanta Panjika (the authoritative Hindu almanac), Kojagari Lakshmi Puja will be observed on Sunday, October 25. The Purnima Tithi (lunar day of the full moon) will begin at 11:55am on October 25 and conclude at 9:41am on October 26.
In Bengali society, there are various popular tales centered about the Goddess Lakshmi. These stories, composed in the form of Panchali (narrative verses), are recited on the day of the Puja; this practice is known as ‘Lakshmi’r Panchali’.
Essential items for Lakshmi Puja include vermilion, a consecrated pot, unhusked rice, earth, mango leaves, flowers, durva grass, tulsi leaves, myrobalan, sandalwood, incense, lamps, offerings of food, sun-dried rice and water.
It is customary to stay awake throughout the night during Lakshmi Puja.
Many within the Hindu community observe a fast during Lakshmi Puja. In addition to the religious rituals, alpona patterns specifically the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi are drawn in the courtyards of homes.
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