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Every year, once the sound of the dhak fades after Bijoya Dashami, Bengali homes turn quietly towards another goddess. This time it is Maa Lakshmi, and the night is Kojagari Purnima. I am Anjan Shastri, and in this guide I will answer the two questions families ask me most every year: why we are asked to stay awake on this night, and whether a simple puja at home is enough.
For Bengali families, this is the main Lakshmi Puja of the year. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2026 will be observed on the night of Sunday, 25 October 2026, on Ashwin (Sharad) Purnima, just a few days after Bijoya Dashami. Many families ask me every year how to perform it correctly, so in this guide I will explain the date, the vidhi and the astrological meaning of this night in simple words.
Sharad Purnima is the full moon of the Ashwin month, when the monsoon ends and the clear autumn sky returns. Our scriptures and folk traditions say that Maa Lakshmi appeared from the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean, around this time. The Kojagara Vrat Katha adds that on this night she travels the earth, visits homes and blesses the devotees who are awake and in prayer.
The moon is also believed to be at its fullest and brightest on Sharad Purnima, and this is why the night carries both devotional and astrological importance. In Vedic astrology, the Moon governs the mind, emotions and nourishment, and a strong lunar energy supports peace and clarity at home.
The Purnima tithi begins at about 11:55 AM on 25 October 2026 and ends at about 9:41 AM on 26 October 2026. Since Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is performed at night, the puja is done on the night of 25 October. The most important part of the night is the Nishita Kaal, the midnight period, when many families perform the main worship and jagaran. Exact timings differ slightly by city, so please check your local Kolkata panchang for the precise Nishita Kaal.
In Bengal we welcome Maa Durga as a daughter who comes home for a few days. After Bijoya Dashami, we welcome Maa Lakshmi, the one who keeps the household steady. Durga Puja is celebrated with energy and celebration, while Lakshmi Puja is quieter and more personal. It is about asking for prosperity, peace and abundance in the home.
You do not need an elaborate setup. What matters is cleanliness, devotion and discipline. This is the simple order I recommend to families:
• Clean the house in the afternoon and keep the main entrance bright and tidy.
• Draw alpana with rice paste, including the footprints of Maa Lakshmi (lakshmir pa) leading from the door to the puja place.
• Set up the lakshmir sara or a picture or idol on a clean wooden seat. Place the ghot (a pot with water, mango leaves and a coconut) and a lamp.
• Offer flowers, durba, fruits, paddy and coconut. The traditional bhog includes khichuri, payesh, fruits and nadu.
• Take the sankalpa: sit in front of the goddess with a little water in your right palm and state your name, family and intention to worship Maa Lakshmi on Kojagari Purnima.
• Read or listen to the Lakshmir Panchali and offer aarti.
• Chant a simple mantra with a calm mind, such as "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah", as many times as you comfortably can.
Many families also keep kheer or payesh in the moonlight and eat it later as prasad. This is a lovely tradition connected with the healing nature of the full moon night.
The word Kojagari itself points to staying awake. In earlier times, families would spend the night singing, praying and playing simple games. Today, even if you cannot stay up the whole night, try to remain awake and prayerful at least through the Nishita Kaal. What matters is mindfulness, not strictness. If someone at home is elderly, unwell or a child, they should not force themselves.
From the Vedic astrology point of view, three planets matter most when we speak of wealth and stability: Venus (Shukra), Jupiter (Guru) and the Moon (Chandra). Venus relates to comfort, resources and luxury. Jupiter relates to wisdom, growth and good fortune. The Moon relates to the mind and peace at home. On Kojagari night the Moon is full, and worship of Maa Lakshmi is believed to support a calm mind, better decision making and a stable home.
Please remember that worship supports your effort, it does not replace it. Prosperity in a kundli depends on the Dhan Yog, the strength of the 2nd and 11th houses, the running dasha and the transits. These differ from person to person, so your results will not be the same as your neighbour's. I always advise readers to get their own kundli checked by an experienced astrologer before depending on any single remedy.
• Do keep the home clean, bright and peaceful, with a lamp at the main door.
• Do offer sattvic bhog and share the prasad with family and neighbours.
• Do perform some charity, even a small one, such as feeding someone in need.
• Don't argue, speak harshly or waste food on this night.
• Don't use non-vegetarian food or alcohol on the day of the puja.
• Don't treat the puja as a shortcut to wealth. Pair devotion with honest work.
When is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja in 2026?
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja 2026 falls on the night of Sunday, 25 October 2026, on Ashwin (Sharad) Purnima.
What is the best time for Kojagari Lakshmi Puja?
The night is considered best, especially the Nishita Kaal around midnight. Please check your Kolkata panchang for the exact time, as it varies slightly by location.
Is fasting compulsory?
Many families observe a fast until the evening puja, but it is not compulsory. Elderly people, children and anyone unwell should not fast. A sincere and calm puja is more important.
Can I perform the puja at home without a priest?
Yes. You can perform a simple Lakshmi Puja at home with flowers, a lamp, bhog and the Lakshmir Panchali. If you want a full traditional ritual, you may invite a priest.
How is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja different from Diwali Lakshmi Puja?
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is done on the full moon night of Ashwin and is the main Lakshmi Puja in Bengal. Diwali Lakshmi Puja is done on the Kartik Amavasya night, which in 2026 falls on 8 November. Both honour Maa Lakshmi, but the dates and traditions differ.
Maa Lakshmi does not only ask for lavish offerings. She values a clean home, a sincere heart and an awake mind. This Kojagari Purnima, set aside a quiet hour for prayer, be grateful for what you have, and plan carefully for what you hope to build. If you wish to understand how your own planets support your wealth and career, I am happy to guide you.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and prosperous Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.
Want to know more about Laxmi Puja and more Pujas ,Reach out to me for a personal consultation.
Dr. Anjan Shastri (Best Astrologer in Kolkata) Call / WhatsApp: +91 7477886099 Email: astro@anjanshastri.com Website: anjanshastri.com Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
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