Flood affects Kojagrat Purnima

By Nagendra Kumar Karna,Mahottari, Oct. 7: The markets in Mahottari are usually busy on the day of Kojagrat Purnima. But this year, such bustling on the last day of the Dashain festival is not seen in the markets due to the floods.     

The two days of continuous heavy rainfall have caused floods and inundation in various areas of Mahottari district. 

Even in the market area of the district headquarters, Jaleshwar, there is a need to visit the market carefully to avoid water. Locals said that as a result, there has been no hustle and bustle in the market even on the day of Kojagrat Purnima. 

Most of the houses in Jaleshwar market are submerged in water. The roads that connect to the market are also blocked. Local residents have stated that this year's Kojagrat Purnima has been affected.

The last day of Dashain is celebrated as Kojagara (Kojagrat Purnima) by worshiping Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. 

In the Mithila region, however, Kojagrat Purnima is celebrated as 'Kojagara'.

Kojagrat Purnima is officially regarded as the conclusion of Dashain and the beginning of Tihar.

On the day of Kojagrat Purnima, it is customary to eat betel leaves and fox nuts or lotus seeds (Makhana). It is believed that betel leaves and lotus seeds cannot be found even in heaven.

On this day, it is customary to bring gifts from the newlywed bride's house to the groom's house.

In Mithilanchal, on the occasion of Madhushravani, it is customary to bring gifts from the groom's house to the bride's house. On the day of Kojagara, items such as betel leaves, Makhana, fruits, curd, and sweets are taken from the bride's house to the groom's house.

On this day, it is customary to give blessings along with gift items and to host feasts for relatives and friends. Furthermore, after worshiping Goddess Laxmi in every household, all family members eat bananas, betel leaves, and fox nuts.

Durga Paksha, that is the Dashain festival, which begins on the day of Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (Ghatasthapana), concludes on the day of Kojagrat Purnima with the worship and respect of Goddess Maha Laxmi and staying awake at night in vigil.

On this day, it is believed that Goddess Maha Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, visits the earth at night to see 'who is awake' and blesses those who stay awake and worship her with wealth and abundance. Due to this belief, many people remain awake on this night to receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Due to continuous rain for two days, floods have occurred in Jaleshwar, and even now the market area is submerged. Various road sections connecting Jaleshwar are blocked.

Due to the flood, water has entered the offices of Jaleshwar Municipality, the district prison, Jaleshwar Provincial Hospital, the Jaleshwar branch of the Electricity Authority and Sub-Station, Nepal Telecom, Public Service Commission, District Administration Office, and District Court offices as well.

When various embankments of the Rato River were cut, water directly entered the district headquarters, Jaleshwar. As a result, the Mahadev Temple area in Jaleshwar, Jaleshwar Hospital Chowk, Jiromail Chowk, and the Bus Stand Chowk were flooded.