Kojagari Poornima

Kojagari Poornima is an important festival celebrated by Hindus in north India. It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October). On this day a fast is observed for the whole day. The fast is broken at night after offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra. Coconut water and rice flakes are offered to the deities. Following the offerings and rituals, the food items are consumed by the devotees. The moon is also worshipped on this night and condensed milk, believed to contain the blessings of the moon god, is consumed. A striking feature of this festival is the playing of dice. According to Hindu scriptures, gambling on this night brings great fortune to the players. Therefore it is a common sight for the people to play dice during this night.