Right on the heels of Durga Puja, Sharad Purnima is observed as Kojagari Lokkhi Pujo or Kojagari Lakshmi Puja in eastern states such as Bengal, Assam, Odisha, eastern Bihar when Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu are worshipped. Sharad Purnima is observed in the Hindu month of Ashwin and will be celebrated on October 30 this year.
In Bengal, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima for prosperity and abundance. Maa Lokkhi as Lakshmi or the goddess of wealth is called in Bengali is described as chapala or fickle-minded and so devotees worship Lakshmi to win her affection and blessings. According to legend, the Goddess Lakshmi visits the houses of people to bless them when they worship her at night. Kojagari is derived from the Bengali words Ke Jago Re meaning 'who is awake' and it is believed that on the day of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Goddess Lakshmi takes around on the Earth's orbit and relieves her devotees from their woes. Those who remain to awaken on the night of Sharad Purnima are blessed with health and wealth.
As per drikpanchang.com, moonrise on Sharad Purnima will happen at 04:39 pm. The Purnima Tithi then begins at 05.45 pm on October 30 ends at 08.18 pm on October 31, 2020.
Purnima tithi begins at 05:45 PM on October 30
Purnima tithi ends at 08:18 PM on October 31
Moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day: 05:11 PM
People, especially women observe the day-long Sharad Purnima fast (vrat) and prayers to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu. The puja samagri must include incense, lamp, kheer as an offering. Many people also feed brahmans and provide offerings to pandits. Alpana or patterns drawn on the floor before the goddess with a paste made with rice flour and water is an absolutely must.
