Kumar Purnima & Maha Lakshmi Puja

Sharad Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a day of great significance for the Hindus. Sharad Purnima is the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. It is also known as the Kaumudi celebration and it is believed that on this day the moon showers elixir or Amrit on Earth through its beams. Sharad Purnima ushers in the Sharad season according to the Hindu beliefs which marks the beginning of autumn. On the day of Sharad Purnima it is said that the moonlight has magical healing properties and that is why it is known to shower 'Amrit Varsha' (Elixir shower).

It is also believed to be the day on which Goddess Lakshmi is said to have been born. That is why in some parts of India, people worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Sharad Purnima which is also known as Kojagari Lakshmi puja. It is mainly celebrated by the Bengali community and also in a few other Eastern states of India. It is a custom to stay awake for the whole night on Sharad/ Kojagari Purnima to receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.