KOJAGIRI POORNIMA/ ASHWIN POORNIMA
Also Known As: Kaumudi Celebration
Traditional Celebration: Of The Moon
Prayers Offered To: Goddess Laxmi
On the full moon day of Ashwin (September-October) the
Kojagari feast is celebrated. The rainy season is over and the brightness
of the full moon brings special joy. This is a traditional celebration of
the moon and is also called the Kaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning
moonlight.
At night goddess Laxmi is worshipped. Some people believe that on this
night Laxmi moves about from place to place asking, "Who is awake?"
("Kojagarti?") and shows her pleasure on those she finds awake.
So people sit in the moonlight singing songs, or keep themselves
entertained in some other way. They fast from solid food and take only
fluids like coconut water or milk. Milk is boiled till it thickens, and
milk masala (a readymade combination of dry fruits) is added to it and
drunk.
