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Lakshmi Puja

Right after the Durga Puja of the Bengali community comes the day of Lakshmi Puja. Goddess Lakshmi is considered to the Goddess of lambent, opulence and beauty. Daughter of sage Bhrigu, Goddess Lakshmi during the war between Gods of the universe and Demons came out with a jar filled with AMRITO, which is a drink actually supposed to turn anybody immortal.

The festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of October or November depending upon the Hindu calendar.

The celebrations of the auspicious event begin from the evening. Different kinds of sweets are prepared for offering it to the Goddess. Along with the sweets is prepared a variety of Vegetarian delicacies. The best part of the celebration is the preparation of ALPONA.

On this day the entire house is decorated with intricately carved panels and items. The main door of the house is decorated with mango leaves and in front of the door or in the balconies are drawn beautiful designs with colored powder which is similar to a Rangoli. Before starting the ceremony of Lakshmi Puja it is believed that lord Ganesha who is the brother of Goddess is also offered grand prayers by devotees.

A large number of people from Bangladesh have settled in West Bengal. The borisals offer hisla to Goddess Lakshmi. They also bring the banana tree to their houses once the idol of Goddess is bathed in the holy waters of Ganges, the wife of Lord Ganesha. In late afternoon begins the most delightful part of the day that is the preparation of Alpona. Alpona is generally prepared from Maida, water and dust of Rice. Another interesting activity linked to the day is painting of feet of Goddess Lakshmi from the entrance of the house to the living room which symbolizes that Goddess herself would come to the house late in the night.

This day has a special significance for the business families all over the country and is celebrated with complete frenzy. This day is considered to be the most sacred day in the entire day for commencement of new business ventures.