The Bada Dashain festival, celebrated for fifteen days, concludes today with the worship of Goddess Mahalaxmi, the deity of wealth, grain, and prosperity, on the occasion of Kojagrat Purnima. The night is observed by staying awake in vigil and devotion.
According to the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Samiti, the ritual of Akhil Balipurnima (complete sacrificial offerings) must also be performed today. With this, the tradition of receiving Tika and Jamara as blessings from elders, which began on Vijaya Dashami, also comes to an end. After completing the ritual, Jamara is immersed in nearby rivers, ponds, or other holy water bodies this evening.
Dashain, also known as Durga Paksha, begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada and is celebrated by Nepalis according to their means and capacity. On Kojagrat Purnima, it is believed that Goddess Mahalaxmi visits the homes of devotees who remain awake throughout the night, bestowing them with wealth and prosperity.
Professor Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, Chairperson of the Samiti, explained that Mahalaxmi, one of the three forms of Goddess Durga, is worshipped today, symbolizing the farewell of Durga Paksha. While Navaratri formally concludes on Vijaya Dashami, Durga Paksha ends only on Kojagrat Purnima.
This full moon, also called Kaumudi Purnima, holds special significance as devotees worship Mahalaxmi 15 days before the main Laxmi Puja. Traditional beliefs also prescribe playing dice or card games tonight, and along with Mahalaxmi, Lord Indra—depicted riding an elephant—is worshipped.
Meanwhile, Kartik Snan (holy bathing in the month of Kartik) and special worship of Tulsi will begin on Tuesday, Ashwin 21. The ritual of Aakash Deep Daan (offering of lamps in the sky) also commences on the same evening.
