I decided to post my blog at night today which otherwise I post it in the morning! The reason is …today is the celebration of the night that is called ‘Kojagiri Pournima‘ in Marathi.
So today we celebrate Kojagiri Pournima, also known as Sharad Pournima, which is one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant full moon nights in the Hindu calendar. It falls on the Pournima (full moon day) of the Ashwin month, which usually comes in October.
On this night, the moon shines with its fullest brilliance, and its light is believed to have healing and nourishing powers. The word “Kojagiri” comes from the Sanskrit phrase “Ko Jagarti?”, meaning “Who is awake?”. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth on this night and blesses those who remain awake with wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
In our culture, the first child holds a very special place in the family — whether it is a son or a daughter. The first-born represents continuity, blessings, and prosperity.
When a son is born, everyone celebrates that he will carry forward the family name.
When a daughter is born, people lovingly say “Pehli beti dhan ki peti” — meaning the first daughter brings a treasure chest of wealth and happiness into the home.
That is why, on the auspicious night of Kojagiri Pournima, we worship and celebrate the first child. The child is seen as the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi and is prayed for good health, success, and lifelong happiness.
In our home, Kojagiri Pournima is celebrated with great joy, devotion, and togetherness. Friends and family are invited for a late night gathering on the terrace of our home.
We prepare Kesar milk (saffron milk) with cardamom, nutmeg, and dry fruits along with other snacks like bhel. We watch the full moon while relishing the hot saffron milk.
We first celebrated Kojagiri Pournima for our first-born son Amay, and now this custom continues with our daughter Amruta and daughter-in-law Swati who lovingly perform the same puja for their first-born children.
It is a wonderful way to honor our roots and values while celebrating the blessing of a child. It reminds us that our children — sons or daughters — are the light of our home, just like the full moon that shines bright on this sacred night.
Kojagiri Pournima, therefore, is not just a festival — it is a celebration of family, gratitude, prosperity, and love under the divine light of the moon.