Kumar Purnima (Gajalakshmi Puja / moon-worship by maidens)
Goddess Mahalakshmi (as Gajalakshmi) and Chandra (the moon)
Jagannath / OdiaGet a reminder before the next Kumar Purnima (Gajalakshmi Puja / moon-worship by maidens)
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Kumar Purnima — Ashwina Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year. Maiden Gajalakshmi puja and Chandra worship across Odisha. Major Odia women's festival.
Dates 2026–2027
Mantra
ॐ गजलक्ष्म्यै नमः। चन्द्रदेवाय नमः।
Om Gajalakshmyai namah; Chandradevaya namah
Salutations to Gajalakshmi (Lakshmi flanked by elephants) and to Chandra Deva on the brightest moon of the year.
How to recite
On Ashwina Purnima (the brightest full moon), unmarried girls fast through the day praying to find a Kumara (handsome groom — the ideal being Lord Karthikeya). At night offer puffed rice, jaggery, coconut and pitha to the moon and Gajalakshmi. Sit on the terrace with the family; play traditional Odia games (puchi, ludo) under the moonlight; eat the bhog as the moon rises.
Benefits
Kumar Purnima is the major maiden festival of Odisha. The night marks the descent of Mahalakshmi to the earth — those who keep awake under the moon and worship Her receive Her direct grace.
✦ Special Note
Per Drik Panchang. Ashwina Purnima (Sharad Purnima) — 2026: October 26. 2027: October 15.
Foods Allowed
Foods to Avoid
Meal Idea
Lia (puffed rice), khoi, kakara pitha, manda pitha, coconut sweets, fresh dahi — eaten under moonlight after the puja.
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Get a reminder before the next Kumar Purnima (Gajalakshmi Puja / moon-worship by maidens)
At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.
Remind meDates shown for India (default). Enable JavaScript to set a reminder for your location.
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