Kathmandu, October 6
Today marks Kojagrat Purnima, celebrated as the farewell to Dashain and the welcoming of Goddess Laxmi.
On this occasion, devotees stay awake throughout the night, worshipping Goddess Mahalaxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Kojagrat Purnima also signifies the conclusion of the 15-day Durga Paksha, popularly known as Bada Dashain, the greatest festival of Nepalis.
According to religious belief, those who worship Mahalaxmi and remain awake tonight will receive her blessings of wealth and prosperity, as the goddess is believed to enter such homes during her earthly visit.
The festival holds special significance as it is observed 15 days prior to Laxmi Puja. Kojagrat Purnima is also known as Kaumudi.
The tradition of receiving Tika and Jamara, which began on Bijaya Dashami, officially concludes today on Kojagrat Purnima. The Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Samiti has stated that receiving Dashain’s Tika and Jamara until this evening, before the completion of all animal sacrifices, is considered scripturally valid.
In the morning, the remnants of flowers, offerings, and Jamara from Dashain rituals are taken to nearby rivers, ponds, or sacred water bodies for immersion.
From tomorrow, the ritual of Kartik Snan (holy bathing in the month of Kartik) begins, along with the tradition of offering Akash Deep (lamps hung in the sky). This marks both the farewell to Dashain and the preparations for Tihar.
