Namrata GR Raut- Kojagra, also known as the Kojagrat Purnima is the celebration that falls on the Shukla pakshya (full moon) of the lunar calendar of Asoj (September-October). This day is of great importance as it marks the end of the celebration of Dashain and hence set the vibe of diyabati/tihar/yama pancha another big celebration in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. It is of high importance in southern Nepal, as it marks the celebration of good fortune and prosperity. This is in particular important for the newlyweds as on this day, the bride side cooks for the groom side. Some have now improvised to cook together to mark equality and celebrate the new family bonding ?. A few mandatory dishes are taruwa (vegetable fritters), mithai (sweets), paan (betel leaf), makhana (Fox Nut/Popped Lotus Seed), and banana. One special kind of hat also called “Pag” is worn on this day which symbolizes respect for Maithili culture. Another aspect includes the playing of “kauda” or “pachisi” usually by brother-in-law and sister-in-law. These all are the rituals that allow us to open up with the new members of the family. One unique thing is the “chumaun”, which is performed for newlyweds couples, wishing for the best start of the conjugal life and hoping for all the evil vibes to not touch them.
These are of high importance in the present era, from showing respect by wearing pag, to enjoying the Mithila delicacies, to playing kauda, which allows for spending quality time with the family. As per the many stories around this celebration, one is that king Janak, the ancient king of Janakpur, that was called Mithila then, observed the first kojagra when the princess Sita got married to Rama (Rama and Sita are the most celebrated and prominent figure in Sanatan Dharma). Also, it is believed that moon looks most beautiful on the day of Purnima. Kojagra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Mithila-Awadh region of Nepal.
In the hilly region of Nepal, Kojagrat Purnima is called “Dashain selaune din”. This is because all the leftovers of Jayanti also called jamara relinquished properly that were used for offering blessings and good vibes to the younger from the day of Vijayadashami. Jayanti or jamara, are the new saplings from different grains like paddy/wheat/corn that were set up in soil on the very first day of pratipada or ghatasthapana followed by the 9 days of continuous prayers/havan of nine forms of Bhagwati (goddess of power as per the Sanatan dharma). These saplings are used as blessings from the elders in the family. Another ritual that starts on the day of Kojagrat Purnima is the lighting of the diyo made on the top of the bamboo tree till the Kartik Shukla Purnima (full moon of Kartik). This all symbolizes the connection of nature to the human be it the use of all the grains or the bamboo.
As per Buddhism, the day of Kojagrat Purnima marks the sevenfold puja around the bodhi tree. The bodhi tree has a special place in Buddhism, as it is believed to be the tree, where Buddha got his enlightenment. And as per the Sanatan Dharma, this is the day when Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) is worshipped.
If we dive into detail about all these celebrations, one thing is common that is the connection between humans and the celebration of all the relationships we have in life. There have been so many changes like linking Dashain with alcohol and forgetting the zest of Dashain and the reasons behind the celebration. But then the only constant thing is “CHANGE” and hopefully, we can preserve some of the actual reasons behind this celebration.
I want to wish everyone who observes this cultural celebration, a very happy kojagra/ Kojagrat Purnima.
(A big shoutout to Mrs. Mishri Pandey, and Mr. Shambhu Kr. Pandey, and Mrs. Renu Raut).
