In the Indian states of Assam, Odisha, Tripura and West Bengal, Lakshmi Puja falls on the full moon day of the lunar month of Ashwin. It is also be known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja or Bengali Lakshmi Puja. This is because Lakshmi Puja may be observed later in the year, during Diwali in other states of India.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja follows on from the celebrations of Vijaya Dashami and the immersion of the ten-armed Goddess Durga or the Durga Puja. One of the most popular and worshipped Hindu deities, the goddess Lakshmi symbolises prosperity and good luck. The word Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning "aim" or "goal," and in the Hindu faith, she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity for all Hindus. Lakshmi is said to be the daughter of the mother goddess Durga. and the wife of Vishnu.
Kojagari Purnima concerns the observance of the Kojagari vrata or fast, which is performed in front of Lakshmis idol under the moonlight after fasting for the entire day.
The word Kojagari comes from the phrase ko jagorti, which means Who is awake? According to legends, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth on the full moon day of Ashwin to observe the actions of mortals and asks who is awake? Those who answer her get her divine blessings. Devotees draw footprints of Lakshmi to entice the Goddess into their homes. It is one of the most significant festivals of Bengalis after Durga Puja. They celebrate it with full enthusiasm and vigour. People welcome Lakshmi in their home in order to pray for a prosperous year ahead. It is a beautiful and religious festival.