Kojagori Lakshmi Puja is one of Chittaranjan Park’s quieter but deeply cherished festivals. Falling on the full moon night of Ashwin (October 14, 2026), it is primarily a household celebration — families worship Goddess Lakshmi through the night, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and well-being in the year ahead.
The Tradition
The word “Kojagori” derives from the Sanskrit “Ko Jagorti” — “Who is awake?” According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi descends to earth on this full moon night and blesses those she finds awake and engaged in worship. This belief gives rise to the Jagran (midnight vigil), where families stay up through the night with lamps lit and prayers offered.
At Home
The most striking visual element of Kojagori is the alpona — intricate floor designs drawn with rice paste at home entrances and around the puja space. Women of the household create these beautiful patterns of lotus flowers, fish, footprints, and geometric motifs. The puja thali typically includes dhan (unhusked rice), flattened rice, fruits, and sweets. Homes are cleaned thoroughly in the days before, and oil lamps (pradeep) are kept burning through the night.
At Kali Mandir
Kali Mandir holds a community Lakshmi Puja in the evening, with the main rituals around midnight. Devotees gather for pushpanjali and arati. The full moon over the temple compound, combined with the oil lamps and flower decorations, creates a serene atmosphere.
Practical Tips
- This is largely a home-based festival — if you are invited to a Bengali household’s Lakshmi Puja, it is a special privilege
- The Kali Mandir puja is open to all and typically runs from 7 PM through midnight
- October evenings are pleasant — the post-monsoon full moon night is usually clear and comfortable
- Sweet shops stock special Lakshmi Puja boxes; consider gifting one to Bengali neighbours