Kojagara is an important festival celebrated in parts of central India. This festival is dedicated to
Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is observed on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October).
According to the myth associated with the festival, the goddess descends to the earth and blesses everyone with health and wealth. The houses, temples and streets are illuminated to greet the goddess. The name ‘Kojagara’ is derived from the phrase ‘Ko Jagarti’ meaning ‘who is awake’, which the goddess is believed to utter when she visits a home. Those people who remain awake are therefore blessed with wealth and prosperity. People observe a fast on this day and break it at night by offering coconut water and rice flakes to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra.
This festival coincides with the harvest festival of Navanna. Following this day, the people consume only the food prepared from the fresh grains procured after the harvest.
