Lakshmi Puja in Assam is a festival that radiates devotion, culture, and community spirit. Celebrated on Sharad Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Ashwin, this occasion is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity. The festival carries a unique charm in Assam, blending age-old traditions, folklore, and rituals that showcase the state’s rich cultural identity.
In the days leading up to Lakshmi Puja, households undergo thorough cleaning to create a sacred and welcoming environment for the goddess. Entrances and courtyards come alive with beautifully crafted rangolis made of rice paste and colored powders, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness. On the day of the puja, devotees prepare altars adorned with fresh flowers, lamps, incense sticks, and traditional offerings such as rice, fruits, sweets, and grains. Recitations of the Lakshmi Stotra and the lighting of diyas mark the invocation of the goddess, filling homes with an aura of serenity and devotion.
Beyond the household, Lakshmi Puja in Assam also strengthens community bonds. In rural areas, people gather in temples or common spaces, where prayers, folk dances, and songs bring villagers together in celebration. Agricultural communities, in particular, worship the goddess with the hope of a bountiful harvest, reinforcing the connection between prosperity and the land. The sharing of prasad among friends and families further adds warmth to the festival.
One of the most unique aspects of this celebration is the belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on the full moon night. Families keep their doors and windows open, welcoming her blessings of abundance. Traditional clay lamps are lit across courtyards and rooftops, creating a glowing spectacle that symbolizes light, wealth, and wisdom. A distinctive ritual of washing the eyes with coconut water before gazing at the moon is also observed, believed to purify vision and absorb the moonlight’s divine energy.
Another significant tradition is the immersion of old Lakshmi idols in water, replaced by new ones during the puja. This act not only symbolizes renewal and gratitude for past blessings but also serves as a communal ritual where families and neighbors come together in devotion. With its vibrant blend of customs, songs, prayers, and shared joy, Lakshmi Puja in Assam is more than a religious event—it is a festival of togetherness, hope, and reverence for the divine.
