We are in the middle of the festive season in India and it is hard to keep the excitement in. After fabulous, low-key Navratri celebrations, it is time to gear up for the Sharad Purnima which falls today 30th October and would end on 31st October. Purnima as we all know is a full moon night, but what is so special about this particular purnima? Also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Raas Purnima, this day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Laxmi, who also happens to be the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. In parts of Bengal, the occasion is simply called Lokkhi Pujo (Laxmi Puja), whereas in Gujarat, it is called Sharad Poonam.
Significance of Vrat on Sharad Purnima or Kojagiri Purnima
It is believed that on this day, the moon comes out with all its sixteen kalas or phases. Bright, beautiful and magnificent. The festival is related to the harvest season, which is why people pray to Goddess Laxmi for prosperity and success. Many people observe a ritualistic fast (or vrat) on this day as a mark of devotion towards Goddess Laxmi. They also wake up early and clean their houses for the Goddess to take shelter. In Bengal, people also draw artful alponas or rangoli in their courtyard.
The vrat or fast observed on this day could be nirjala or phallahar. In the nirjala vrat, people d not consume even a morsel of food or a drop of water, in the phallahar vrat people can consume fruits, nuts and milk, but avoid grains and legumes. Many people break their fasts with some milk/curd or flattened rice; some also like to end their fasts with a bowl of kheer. Pregnant women, elderly people and sick people are not advised to fast on this day.
(Also Read: Sharad Purnima 2020: Make Bengali-Style Payesh For Kojagari Purnima Bhog (Recipe Video Inside))
Kheer, ladoos, fruits are some of the common prasad of the Laxmi puja.
As per Drik Panchang, the festival commences on 30th October and ends on 31st October.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:45 pm on October 30, 2020
Purnima Tithi Ends - 08:18 pm on October 31, 2020
Here's wishing you a very happy Sharad Purnima 2020.
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