Kojagiri Purnima, also known as Sharad Purnima or Kojagara Puja, is the full-moon night of Ashwin dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the blessings of Chandra Devata (the Moon God).
The name Kojagiri (literally “Who is awake?”) refers to the tradition of staying awake through the night to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, perform Lakshmi puja, and partake of the moon-washed prasad such as kheer or masala milk.
Observed across India with regional variations, Kojagiri Purnima blends devotion, food traditions, and seasonal wisdom at the close of the monsoon.
Sharad Ritu, or the autumn season in the Hindu calendar, marks the transition after the monsoon – a time of clear skies, cool breezes, and renewed vitality in nature.
Ko Jagarti: The Legend Behind Kojagiri Purnima meaning “Who Is Awake?”
According to Hindu belief, on the night of Kojagiri Purnima, Mata Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, descends to Earth and moves from place to place asking, “Ko Jagarti?” – meaning “Who is awake?”
It is said that those who remain awake in devotion and purity on this full-moon night are blessed by her divine grace with happiness, good fortune, and abundance.
The very name Kojagiri or Kojagara is derived from this sacred question, symbolizing the awakening and alertness of both body and mind in the presence of the radiant moon and Mata Mahalakshmi’s auspicious presence.
Kojagiri Purnima 2025 – Date & Tithi Timings
- Kojagiri Purnima 2025 Date: 6 October 2025.
- Purnima tithi begins: 12:23 pm on 6 October 2025
- Purnima tithi ends: 09:16 am on 7 October 2025
- Nishita / Midnight muhurat for puja: 11:50 pm – 12:30 am window on the night of 6 October.
Sharad Purnima: Significance & Legends
Kojagiri Purnima holds multiple layers of meaning:
- Lakshmi worship: In many regions the night is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees keep vigil, light lamps, and perform puja seeking prosperity and protection.
- Moon-blessings & nourishment: Folk traditions believe moonlight on this night is nourishing; people keep kheer or milk-based sweets under the moon so the lunar rays “bless” and enrich the food.
- Cultural symbolism: The festival marks the autumn harvest and the earthly abundance following the monsoon, combining gratitude, charity and community celebrations.
Common Rituals & How to Observe Kojagiri Purnima
- Clean the home & prepare the puja space. Arrange diyas (lamps), flowers, and an image or idol of Mata Lakshmi.
- Prepare kheer / masala milk: Many families prepare kheer, payasam or spiced milk and keep it outside under moonlight (on a terrace, balcony, or open place). The cooled prasad is distributed the next morning.
- Kojagara vrata (stay awake): Sing bhajans dedicated to Lakshmi and Narayan, read vrat katha, recite Lakshmi mantras or hold an all-night vigil to welcome the goddess.
- Charity & offerings: Donate food, clothes or money to the needy. Traditionally, Daan is considered especially meritorious on this night.
- Temple visits & community pujas: Attend Lakshmi puja at local temples or community centres where collective rituals and bhajans are organized.
Prasad & Food Traditions
Kheer / Payasam / Masala milk: Most widespread – either kept under moonlight or offered during the late-night puja.
Seasonal fruits & sweets: Served as prasad, regional variations include distinct sweets according to local custom.
Health note: The moon-washing tradition has folk explanations related to seasonal cooling and nutritive benefits of milk; however, always ensure hygiene (cover food, keep on clean vessels, refrigerate if needed).
Regional Variations of Sharad Purnima
Eastern India (West Bengal, Odisha, Assam): Kojagari is closely linked with Lakshmi Puja – homes are decorated with lamps and community pujas are common.
Maharashtra & Western India: Masala milk or kheer kept under moonlight is a common custom; some groups organize night-long bhajans.
Northern India: Sharad Purnima customs focus on kheer under moonlight and cultural gatherings that celebrate Krishna’s rasa-lila in some traditions.
The Practical and Symbolic Significance of Kojagiri Purnima
Change of Season and Immunity Boost:
Kojagiri Purnima marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the cool season. Ayurveda considers this a transition phase when digestion and immunity need strengthening.
Drinking masala milk (boiled with saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, and dry fruits) helps maintain body warmth and nutrition – a natural immunity booster for early winter.
Cooling and Healing Effects of Moonlight:
Traditional belief says that moon rays on Sharad Purnima have special healing qualities.
Scientifically, the moon is closest to Earth around this time, and the reflected light (rich in ultraviolet filtering) is considered soothing for the eyes and mind.
Sitting under moonlight helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress – similar to meditation.
Symbolism of ‘Kojagara’ – Who is Awake?
The word Kojagara means “Who is awake?” It reminds us of mindfulness and spiritual alertness – a call to remain conscious of dharma, gratitude, and self-discipline.
In the ancient agrarian society, this was also the time when farmers stayed awake to guard the new harvest under open skies, blending spiritual awareness with practical purpose.
Full Moon and Mental Wellness:
The Sharad Purnima full moon is the brightest of the year – its visual and psychological impact is calming.
Studies suggest that exposure to natural moonlight and collective celebration under the open sky promotes mental relaxation and social bonding – essential elements of community well-being!
Related
Kojagiri Purnima FAQs
What is Kojagiri Purnima (Sharad Purnima)?
Kojagiri Purnima, also known as Sharad Purnima or Kojagara Puja, is the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and moon blessings. It involves staying awake, performing Lakshmi puja, and offering prasad such as kheer or masala milk under moonlight.
What is Kojagiri Purnima 2025 date?
Kojagiri Purnima in 2025 falls on 6 October. Devotees observe the full-moon night rituals, Lakshmi Puja and prasad offerings in the evening and at Nishita (midnight) time according to local panchang.
How is Kojagiri Purnima celebrated in Maharashtra and Nashik?
In Maharashtra, including Nashik, people prepare masala milk or kheer and keep it under moonlight. Temples in Nashik and mandals organize Lakshmi puja, bhajans, and community gatherings. Devotees usually stay awake, sing devotional songs, and often distribute prasad the next morning.
What should I prepare as prasad for Kojagiri Purnima?
Prasad for Kojagiri Purnima commonly includes kheer / masala milk, seasonal fruits, sweets, and offerings of flowers. It is made at home or temple, kept under moonlight overnight, and shared the next day as sacred prasad.
Why do people keep kheer under the moon on Sharad Purnima?
The tradition of keeping kheer or milk under moonlight relates to beliefs that moon beams impart healing, nourishing properties; the ritual is also considered a way of absorbing divine lunar energy and offering it back as prasad.
Is it safe to keep milk or kheer under the moon overnight?
Yes, but with precautions: prepare the milk / kheer hygienically in a clean vessel, cover it with a clean cloth to protect from dust/insects, and refrigerate if you are not consuming it early the next morning to avoid spoilage.
