Kojagara Puja 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Significance, Rituals, History and Why Goddess Lakshmi Is Worshipped on Sharad Purnima

Kojagara Puja, also known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity and good fortune, the festival falls on Ashwin Purnima, the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. The occasion holds special significance in West Bengal, Assam and Odisha, where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and pray for financial stability, happiness and abundance. The festival is also associated with the tradition of staying awake during the full moon night, preparing special offerings and performing Lakshmi Puja at home.

Also Read: October 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Indira Ekadashi, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth Dates

Kojagara Puja 2026: Date and Timings

Kojagara Puja is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar on Ashwin Shukla Purnima. In 2026, the festival falls on October 25, coinciding with Sharad Purnima. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 11:55 AM on October 25 and ends at 9:41 AM on October 26, 2026. The Nishita period, associated with midnight worship, varies according to the location.


Kojagara Puja 2026 details:

• Festival: Kojagara Puja or Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
• Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
• Tithi: Ashwin Shukla Purnima
• Purnima Tithi begins: 11:55 AM, October 25
• Purnima Tithi ends: 9:41 AM, October 26
• Deity worshipped: Goddess Lakshmi
• Main observance: Lakshmi Puja, devotional offerings and a night vigil

These timings are based on the cited Indian Panchang calculations. Devotees should check a location-specific Panchang for the precise puja muhurat, as timings can vary by city and calendar tradition.

Also Read: October 2026 Purnima and Amavasya Dates: Tithi Timings, Rituals and Significance

What Is Kojagara Puja? Understanding Its Meaning

Kojagara Puja is a traditional Hindu observance dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi on the full moon night of Sharad Purnima. It is especially popular among Bengali Hindu households, where it is known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. The word Kojagara is traditionally associated with the Sanskrit expression “Ko Jāgarati?”, which means “Who is awake?” According to popular religious belief, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Earth on this night and blesses those who remain awake in devotion. The practice of staying awake, therefore, is an important part of the observance.

Unlike the Lakshmi Puja performed during Diwali, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is associated with the autumn full moon. Although both festivals honour Goddess Lakshmi, they are separate observances with different dates, traditions and ritual contexts.

Read This: Sharad Purnima 2026 Date: Check Moonrise Time, Purnima Tithi and Kheer Ritual

Kojagara Puja 2026: Significance and Religious Beliefs

Kojagara Puja holds an important place in the autumnal festival calendar, particularly in eastern India. It comes shortly after Durga Puja, when devotees celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga over evil. The subsequent worship of Goddess Lakshmi brings attention to prosperity, household well-being and gratitude.

1. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the embodiment of wealth, abundance, fortune and auspiciousness. Devotees believe that worshipping her with sincerity can bring blessings and encourage a life guided by generosity, discipline and gratitude.

2. The Importance of the Full Moon

Kojagara Puja coincides with Sharad Purnima, an autumn full moon traditionally associated with beauty, abundance and spiritual significance. The clear moonlit night is an important feature of the festival's cultural and religious identity. In several Indian traditions, Sharad Purnima is also associated with preparing milk-based offerings, particularly kheer, and placing them under the moonlight. Customs differ across regions and families.

3. Staying Awake During the Night

The tradition of remaining awake is closely linked to the meaning of Kojagara. Devotees may spend the night praying, singing devotional songs, reciting religious texts or participating in family worship. The vigil is understood as an expression of devotion and attentiveness to the goddess rather than simply a ritual of avoiding sleep.

4. Prayers for Financial Well-Being

Many families use the occasion to pray for stable income, success in business, professional progress and freedom from financial difficulties. Goddess Lakshmi is also associated with generosity and the responsible use of resources.

Kojagara Puja 2026: Puja Vidhi and Rituals

Kojagara Puja is generally performed at home, although temples and community groups may organise special worship. The exact procedure varies according to regional customs and family traditions.

Here are some commonly followed rituals:

1. Clean the house and prepare the puja space

Devotees clean their homes before the puja and arrange a clean place for worship. Many Bengali households decorate the entrance and puja area with alpana, traditional designs made using rice paste.

2. Arrange the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi

A picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi is placed on a clean platform. Flowers, a lamp, incense, fruits, sweets and other customary offerings are arranged for the ceremony.

3. Perform Lakshmi Puja

Devotees light a diya, offer flowers and pray to the goddess. Families may recite Lakshmi mantras, read traditional accounts associated with the festival and perform aarti.

4. Offer fruits, sweets and kheer

Fruits, sweets and other food items are offered as bhog. Kheer, a milk-and-rice preparation, is commonly associated with Sharad Purnima traditions, although the specific offerings vary between households.

5. Observe the night vigil

Many devotees remain awake for at least part of the night. They may sing devotional songs, chant prayers, listen to religious stories or spend quiet time in worship.

6. Distribute prasad

After the puja, the offerings are distributed among family members and visitors as prasad. Sharing food and gathering for prayer are important parts of the household celebration. Devotees should follow their family traditions or consult a local priest for specific ritual requirements and timings.

Kojagara Puja and Sharad Purnima: What Is the Connection?

Kojagara Puja and Sharad Purnima are closely connected because the Lakshmi worship is observed on the autumn full moon night. Sharad Purnima marks the Purnima Tithi of Ashwin, while Kojagara refers particularly to the observance associated with Goddess Lakshmi and the tradition of staying awake.

Sharad Purnima also has significance in other Hindu traditions, including customs associated with the moon, devotional observances and special food offerings. Not every regional Sharad Purnima tradition is identical to Kojagara Puja.

Is Kojagara Puja the Same as Diwali Lakshmi Puja?

No. Kojagara Puja and Diwali Lakshmi Puja are two separate observances dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Kojagara Puja falls on Ashwin Purnima, the full moon day in October in 2026. Diwali Lakshmi Puja, on the other hand, is performed during the festival of Diwali, generally on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar.

How Is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja Celebrated in Bengal?

In West Bengal, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is an important household festival. Following Durga Puja, families welcome Goddess Lakshmi with prayers, traditional decorations and offerings. Many households create alpana designs near entrances and in the puja area. The designs may include lotus motifs, footprints and other symbols associated with auspiciousness. Families prepare traditional food offerings and gather to perform Lakshmi Puja.