Lakshmi Puja in Bangladesh

Lakshmi Puja, also known as Sharad Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in Bangladesh, usually on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. This day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

History and Traditions:

• The festival has deep historical roots in Hindu mythology, where Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Way (Samudra Manthan).
• Traditional beliefs hold that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes and replenishes her devotees with wealth. Houses are cleaned and decorated to welcome her.
• It's also believed that on this night, the moon showers elixir (Amrit) through its beams, adding a spiritual dimension to the festival.

Celebrations:

1. Home Decoration: Devotees decorate their homes with rangoli designs and light earthen lamps (diyas) to guide Lakshmi into their abodes.
2. Puja Rituals: A special puja (worship ceremony) is conducted where idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi are adorned with flowers, sweets, and fruits.
3. Offerings: Offerings include traditional sweets like payesh (rice pudding), sandesh (a Bengali sweet), and seasonal fruits.
4. Chanting and Prayers: Recitation of mantras and devotional songs praising Goddess Lakshmi are an integral part of the puja.
5. Business Community Involvement: Businessmen open new account books called "Halkhata" and pray for success and prosperity in their enterprises.
6. Community Gatherings: People visit friends and family members to exchange greetings, gifts, and sweets.

The celebration is marked by joyous gatherings with an emphasis on prosperity and well-being for all community members. Despite being predominantly celebrated by Hindus, it has a cultural imprint that transcends religious boundaries in Bangladesh's diverse society.