The Path of Prosperity: Kojagori Laxmi Puja, Sharad Purnima, and the Symbols of Sustainability

?? What if True Wealth Lies in Simplicity and Connection with Nature? ??

As we approach Kojagori Laxmi Puja and Sharad Purnima, I’m reminded that these festivals offer more than moments of ritual—they are timeless calls to embrace sufficiency, mindfulness, and respect for nature’s gifts. In a world obsessed with growth, these traditions guide us back to what truly sustains us, urging us to redefine prosperity in terms that honor the Earth and the spirit.

Through the lens of Sunyti—from Sunya (emptiness) to Infinity—we explore how these festivals illuminate a path beyond consumerism, toward a life rich with intention, balance, and deeper fulfillment.

Kojagori Laxmi Puja: Awakening to Conscious Prosperity

Kojagori Laxmi Puja, celebrated on the full moon of Ashwin, is more than a festival for seeking Devi Laxmi’s blessings. The question embedded in the festival’s name, Kojagori—“Who is awake?”—invites us to awaken to our own choices, asking us to consider how we define wealth and well-being. True prosperity, the festival teaches, is not about accumulation but about thoughtful stewardship.

Sustainability Lessons from Kojagori Laxmi Puja

• Refusing Excess: Kojagori Laxmi Puja challenges us to question what we consume and why. By rejecting what is unnecessary, we honor both the Earth and our inner needs. This festival calls us to live with discernment, cultivating a prosperity that values quality over quantity.
• Sustainable Decor: Traditional Alpana designs, crafted from rice paste, exemplify eco-friendly beauty. By choosing natural, biodegradable materials, we celebrate the abundance found in simplicity, reinforcing the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
• Minimalist Lighting with Diyas: Earthen lamps, or diyas, offer a gentle illumination that reduces reliance on artificial energy. By lighting diyas, we connect with the festival’s origins and the value of using resources mindfully. This small act encourages us to consider: How can we illuminate our lives with less?

Reflection: In a world of distractions, what does it mean to be truly “awake” to our impact on the planet? How can we redefine wealth to align with values that sustain both the Earth and the human spirit?

Sharad Purnima: Finding Abundance in the Simple and the Natural

Celebrated under the full moon, Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the fullness of nature’s gifts. Through offerings of kheer (milk and rice pudding), the festival emphasizes gratitude for nature’s bounty and teaches us to appreciate life’s essentials. In this way, Sharad Purnima is a celebration of sufficiency and harmony with the land.

Minimalism & Abundance in Sharad Purnima

• Simple, Local Offerings: The kheer offered during Sharad Purnima reminds us of the importance of local resources. By choosing simple ingredients like rice and milk, we reconnect with the land and rediscover that fulfillment comes not from excess, but from our relationship with the Earth.
• Embracing Natural Rhythms: The tradition of staying awake under the moonlight reflects a connection to natural cycles. By embracing the moon’s light, we reduce our dependence on artificial sources and reconnect with the natural world’s rhythms, fostering a deeper appreciation for what sustains us.

Reflection: How often do we overlook the simple gifts around us in our quest for more? Can we find joy not in the constant pursuit of new things, but in celebrating what is already within reach?

Symbols of Devi Laxmi: Redefining Wealth for a Sustainable World

Devi Laxmi’s symbols—the lotus, the pot of gold coins, and the owls—each carry a message about sustainable prosperity. These symbols inspire us to rethink wealth and teach us that abundance is found in balance, wisdom, and shared resources.

• The Lotus: Rising from muddy waters, the lotus symbolizes purity and resilience. This flower teaches us that growth is most meaningful when it respects natural limits, flourishing in harmony with the environment. In a sustainable world, the lotus reminds us to thrive within nature’s bounds, honoring the delicate balance that supports all life.
• The Pot of Gold Coins: The pot of gold represents wealth meant to circulate, not be hoarded. This symbol encourages a mindset of community-driven prosperity—a vision of abundance that uplifts everyone, not just a few. In the post-growth context, this means redefining success as collective well-being rather than individual gain.
• The Owls: Known for their wisdom, owls symbolize discernment and foresight. They remind us that prosperity is not merely material but is rooted in wise, intentional choices. The owls inspire us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations and to build a wealth that endures through sustainable practices.

Reflection: How can these symbols help us redefine prosperity? What if we saw abundance not as personal gain, but as shared responsibility and connection with the planet?

Taking These Teachings Beyond Festival Days

The insights from Kojagori Laxmi Puja and Sharad Purnima offer a blueprint for a life that is mindful, balanced, and sustainable. By embracing these principles beyond the festival days, we can live in alignment with nature and foster a sense of prosperity that is fulfilling in every season.

Practical Steps to Live These Teachings Year-Round:

• Challenge Consumerism: These festivals invite us to reconsider our relationship with material goods. Let’s commit to rejecting excess and focusing on what truly nourishes us, embracing simplicity and sustainability in our daily lives.
• Support Local and Eco-Friendly Choices: By sourcing locally and supporting sustainable artisans, we celebrate in a way that respects the Earth and uplifts our communities. This can mean using natural materials for celebrations or supporting businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship.
• Cultivate Reciprocity and Minimalism: True wealth lies not in what we keep, but in what we share. These festivals encourage us to practice reciprocity, taking only what we need and giving back to sustain a balanced world. Living with this mindset brings us closer to a post-growth vision of shared abundance.

Final Thoughts: Awaken to a New Vision of Prosperity

As we celebrate Kojagori Laxmi Puja and Sharad Purnima, let us awaken to a richer, more meaningful life. These festivals teach us that true wealth is found not in acquisition, but in connection—with the Earth, each other, and ourselves. In a world focused on growth, these traditions remind us that real prosperity lies in the spaces between: where we give more than we take, and where sufficiency brings fulfillment.

Through the journey of Sunyti, from Sunya to Infinity, we can discover a path to prosperity that honors both spirit and soil. Together, let us reimagine wealth as a shared experience of simplicity, purpose, and harmony.

Call to Action:

?? As you reflect on these festivals, think about how you can bring their teachings into your daily life. How can we redefine prosperity in a way that respects the Earth and nurtures our communities? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how these traditions inspire your own journey toward mindful and sustainable living.

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