Known variously as Kojagiri Purnima, Raas Purnima, or Ashwin Purnima, the day celebrates devotion, prosperity, and the divine union of faith and moonlight.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 12.23 pm on October 6 and ends at 9.16 am on October 7. As the puja is traditionally performed at night, devotees will observe Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja on October 6.

The Pujan Muhurat (Nishita Kaal) will last from 11.45 pm to 12.24 am, while the moonrise is expected at 5.27 pm.

On this night, special prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and the Moon God (Chandra Dev). Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes, blessing those who remain awake and offer prayers throughout the night.

Women observe a fast for the happiness and prosperity of their families, lighting lamps of ghee and performing bhajans and kirtans.

A traditional kheer (rice pudding) is prepared, placed under the open sky, and left overnight to soak in the moonlight - believed to be filled with medicinal and divine nectar.

The next morning, this amrit kheer is consumed as prasad, symbolizing blessings of health, wealth, and longevity.

The scriptures and Puranas hold Sharad Purnima in high esteem. The Bhagavata Purana narrates that Lord Krishna performed the Maharaas with the Gopis under this very full moon, giving rise to the name Raas Purnima.

The Skanda Purana says nectar rains from the moon on this night, while the Padma Purana describes Goddess Lakshmi wandering the earth, blessing those who remain awake.

In Chandankiyari, Kasmar, and Chas-bordering West Bengal and Jharkhand-the festival takes on a vibrant, community-centered form.

Homes and temples are illuminated with 100 lamps, idols of Goddess Lakkhi are installed, and villagers stay awake with songs, prayers, and cultural programs.

The renowned Bangla Yatra in Chandankiyari will also return this year, with artists from West Bengal performing in the Nilam Holo Sither Sindoor procession.

Organizer Dada Thakur said the event, which blends devotion and art, is expected to attract large crowds.

Across India, the festival takes on diverse forms - in Odisha, it is celebrated as Kumar Purnima, marking the birth of Lord Kartikeya; in Gujarat, as a night of fasting and festivity; and in Maharashtra, families honor their eldest child.

For the Bengali community, however, Kojagiri Lakkhi Puja remains the heart of Sharad Purnima - a night where moonlight meets music, devotion fills the air, and every lamp lit is a prayer for prosperity.