Lakshmi Puja Date, Time is a common search for Bengali families who want to plan Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. In 2026, the puja in West Bengal will be observed on Sunday, 25 October, on the night of Ashwin Purnima. The exact puja time can vary by local panjika and family tradition.
This guide shares the Lakhi Pujo 2026 date, the full-moon tithi, the Kolkata puja time, simple rituals, items to prepare, and answers to common questions. All times below are for Kolkata, India, unless stated otherwise.
Lakshmi Puja Date, Time in 2026
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, also called Lakhi Pujo or Lokkhi Pujo in Bengal, falls on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The puja is linked to the full moon of Ashwin month. Many Bengali homes worship Goddess Lakshmi in the evening and continue prayers at night.
| Details | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Lakhi Pujo 2026 date | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima tithi begins | 11:55 AM, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima tithi ends | 9:41 AM, 26 October 2026 |
| Kojagari Nishita puja time | 10:56 PM to 11:46 PM, 25 October |
| Moonrise in Kolkata | About 4:21 PM, 25 October |
| Time zone | Indian Standard Time (IST) |
Important: These timings follow the Kolkata calendar published by Drik Panchang. Some Bengali panjikas may show a different puja window or may list 26th October for certain calculations. Check the panjika followed by your family or local priest before making final plans.
What Is Lakkhi Pujo or Kojagari Lakshmi Puja?
Lakhi Pujo is the Bengali name for worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is linked with wealth, good fortune, peace, and well-being. In West Bengal, many families perform Kojagari Lakshmi Puja after Durga Puja, on the full-moon night of Ashwin.
The word “Kojagari” is often explained through the question “Ko jagarti?” meaning “Who is awake?” A traditional belief says that Goddess Lakshmi blesses devotees who stay awake and pray on this special night. Customs differ from one home and region to another.
This is not the same as the Lakshmi Puja performed on Diwali. In Bengal, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is held on Ashwin Purnima, while Lakshmi worship during Diwali is connected with Kartik Amavasya. The two observances have different dates and traditions.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat and Tithi
The Purnima tithi starts late in the morning on 25th October and ends the next morning. The main worship is commonly done in the evening or at night, depending on the local panjika and family practice.
Kolkata Puja Timing
For Kolkata, Drik Panchang lists the Nishita time from 10:56 PM to 11:46 PM on Sunday, 25th October 2026. Nishita is the midnight period used for some religious observances.
Many Bengali households may follow a Pradosh or evening muhurat instead, so do not treat one timing as universal for every family.
Does the date change by city?
The lunar tithi is calculated from the positions of the Sun and Moon, while local sunrise and sunset can affect the festival date and muhurat.
For this reason, timings may differ by city and by panjika method. If you live outside Kolkata, check a local calendar for your location.
Why Is Lakshmi Puja Celebrated on Purnima?
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is connected with Ashwin Purnima, the full moon that comes after Durga Puja in the Bengali festival calendar. The full moon gives the night a special place in local custom and religious stories.
Devotees pray for peace at home, steady work, good health, and enough resources for the family. The festival is also a time to clean and decorate the home, prepare offerings, and spend time in prayer with family members.
Lakshmi Puja Rituals Followed in Bengali Homes
There is no single ritual list followed by every Bengali family. Practices can change by district, family tradition, and the panjika used. The following are common customs in many homes.
- Clean the puja area: Clean the room or corner where the puja will take place.
- Make alpana: Many families draw white alpana designs with rice paste near the puja space or entrance.
- Prepare the image or idol: Place a picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi on a clean seat.
- Light a lamp: Use a diya or lamp during the prayer, taking care to keep it away from curtains and other items that can catch fire.
- Offer flowers and food: Families may offer flowers, fruits, sweets, coconut, and other items used in their tradition.
- Read or hear the Lakshmi vrat katha: Some families read a Lakshmi story or devotional text.
- Pray with family: Offer prayers and share prasad after the puja, according to family custom.
What Items Are Needed for Lakshmi Puja?
Prepare the items in advance so you do not need to rush before the puja. The exact list depends on your household custom, but a simple checklist may include:
- Picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi
- Clean cloth and a small seat for the puja
- Diya, oil or ghee, and cotton wicks
- Flowers, incense, and a small bell if used
- Fruits, sweets, coconut, and other family offerings
- Rice, water, and a small plate for puja items
- Alpana materials, such as rice paste
- A local panjika for the correct puja time
Do not worry if your family does not use every item on this list. Follow the customs you know and ask a trusted family elder or priest if you are unsure about a ritual.
How to Prepare for Lakshmi Puja 2026
First, confirm the puja date and time from the panjika followed in your home. Then clean the puja space and arrange the items a day before. If you are buying flowers, fruits, or sweets, make a short list so nothing important is missed.
Keep the puja area calm and safe. Place lamps on a stable surface and never leave an open flame unattended. If children are taking part, keep matches, oil, and burning lamps out of their reach.
If family members live in different cities, share the date and local timing with them. Remember that the tithi can be the same while the suggested muhurat differs by location or panjika.
FAQ:
When is Lakshmi Puja in 2026?
In West Bengal, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is observed on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Some calendars may list a different date based on the panjika method, so follow the calendar used by your family.
What is the Lakshmi Puja time in Kolkata?
Drik Panchang lists the Nishita puja window as 10:56 PM to 11:46 PM on 25 October 2026. Other local calendars may recommend an evening muhurat. Confirm the timing with your family panjika.
When does Purnima tithi start and end in 2026?
For Kolkata, the Purnima tithi begins at 11:55 AM on 25 October and ends at 9:41 AM on 26 October 2026, according to Drik Panchang.
Is Kojagari Lakshmi Puja the same as Diwali Lakshmi Puja?
No. Kojagari Lakshmi Puja takes place on Ashwin Purnima. Diwali Lakshmi Puja is observed on the new-moon day of Kartik in many parts of India. They are separate observances.
Why do some calendars show 26 October?
Different panjikas can use different rules to decide the festival day and puja window. The Purnima tithi also continues into the morning of 26 October. Check the calendar followed in your home for the final decision.
Lakshmi Puja is a special time for Bengali families to pray to Goddess Lakshmi and welcome peace and well-being into the home. In 2026, the main Kojagari Lakshmi Puja date for West Bengal is Sunday, 25th October. The Kolkata Purnima tithi runs from 11:55 AM on 25 October to 9:41 AM on 26 October, while the listed Nishita window is 10:56 PM to 11:46 PM.
For the most suitable time in your area, check your local panjika or ask your family priest. You can also consult Drik Panchang’s Kolkata Kojagara Puja calendar for the published tithi and timing details.