Gaja Laxmi Puja is a festival to worship Goddess Lakshmi. In this form, she is called Gaja Lakshmi, meaning “the Lakshmi of elephants.” This form of the goddess is linked with power, grace, strength, and prosperity.
The word “Gaja” means elephant. Elephants are symbols of royalty, strength and good fortune in many Indian traditions. So, Gaja Lakshmi represents a strong, generous, and prosperous aspect of the divine Mother.
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Gajalaxmi Puja in 2025 Date
In Odisha, Gaja Laxmi Puja begins on 6th October, Monday, 2025.
It is tied to the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar.
The celebrations often begin on Kumar Purnima, and in some places the Puja continues for eleven days.
Timing:
As per the Odia almanac, the Kumar Purnima tithi starts on Monday afternoon and ends on Tuesday morning around 9:27 AM.
How is Gajalaxmi Puja Celebrated
Here are the main features:
Temporary Temples & Idols
Communities build pandals or makeshift shrines. They install idols of Goddess Lakshmi and often also Lord Ganesha.
Decoration & Themes
These shrines are decorated beautifully. Sometimes the decorations follow a theme, such as nature, culture, or mythology.
Rituals & Worship
Devotees offer flowers, lamps, sweets, and fruits to the goddess. They chant prayers and hymns in her praise.
Social & Cultural Messages
In many places, the Puja committees use the festival platform to spread messages about social good, environmental care, and community values.
Visarjan
After the festival ends, the idols are carried in a procession and immersed in river or water bodies. This final act is called Visarjan.
Gaja Laxmi Puja 2025 in Odisha
In Odisha, Kumar Purnima is an important festival for unmarried girls. On this day, they pray to have a husband as noble and brave as Lord Kartikeya.
Girls wear new clothes, secretly enjoy special cottage cheese sweets shaped like the moon, and take part in the rituals. Along with this, people also celebrate Gaja Laxmi Puja on the same occasion.”
The Gaja Laxmi Puja is very famous in Odisha state.
- The local tradition there is nearly a century old.
- Over time, they introduced “Chandi Medhas” – silver tableaus or platforms made of silver to place the deity.
- These silver medhas are large, heavy, and artistically crafted.
The Odisha government has declared 7th October (Tuesday) 2025 as the official holiday for Kumar Purnima. The government prepares its holiday calendar in advance using the English calendar, while the Odia almanacs, based on the lunar calendar are published later in April.
Gaja Laxmi Puja Meaning and Significance
Prosperity & Wealth
Worship of Gaja Laxmi is believed to bring wealth and good fortune to families and communities.
Strength & Grace
The elephant symbol stands for power and dignity. Gaja Laxmi blesses people with strength and gentle grace.
Community Bonding
Local groups organise the puja together. This helps people meet, work together, and build strong community ties.
Cultural Heritage
The festival keeps old arts, music, stories and crafts alive. It helps the younger generation learn traditions.
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Pro Tips for Participating in Gaja Laxmi Puja 2025
- Visit the local pandal during the days of the Puja.
- Offer something from your home: flowers, sweets, fruits.
- Participate in the aarti (lamp ceremony) if allowed.
- Respect the rituals, and maintain cleanliness around the shrine.
- Use the festival as an opportunity to learn the stories and traditions of Gaja Lakshmi.
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Gaja Laxmi Puja’s Important Question Answers
Q. Why is Gaja Laxmi Puja celebrated?
The Puja is observed to honor Goddess Lakshmi in her Gaja (elephant) form. She symbolizes prosperity, wealth, power, and good fortune.
Q. In which state is Gaja Laxmi Puja most popular?
The festival is most popular in Odisha, especially in Dhenkanal, Cuttack, and nearby regions.
Q. What is the difference between Gaja Laxmi and other forms of Lakshmi?
Gaja Laxmi is depicted with two elephants showering water over her, representing strength, royalty, and abundance, while other forms highlight different aspects like knowledge, courage, or victory.
Q. How long does Gaja Laxmi Puja last?
In many regions, the Puja is performed for one day, but in some places, it continues for eleven days with daily rituals and cultural programs.
Q. What rituals are performed during Gaja Laxmi Puja?
Devotees decorate pandals, install idols of Goddess Lakshmi, light lamps, chant mantras, and offer sweets, fruits, and flowers.
Q. What is special about Gaja Laxmi Puja in Dhenkanal?
Dhenkanal is famous for its Chandi Medhas (silver backdrops) and large community celebrations that are more than a century old.
Q. What foods are prepared during Gaja Laxmi Puja?
People prepare traditional sweets like rasagola, chhena poda, laddus, and kheer, which are offered to the goddess and shared with family and friends.
Q. Is Gaja Laxmi Puja the same as Sharad Purnima?
Yes, the festival coincides with Sharad Purnima (Kajagori Purnima), but in Odisha it is mainly known as Gaja Laxmi Puja.
Q. What blessings do devotees seek on Gaja Laxmi Puja?
People pray for prosperity, financial stability, family happiness, fertility, and overall well-being.
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