Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima or Ras Purnima, is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon night (full moon) of Ashwin month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2025, Sharad Purnima will be seen on Monday, October 6.
This auspicious day marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the crop season. It holds spiritual, religious and even scientific importance and is celebrated all over India with regional variations.
Importance of Sharad Purnima
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Sharad is deeply associated with Purnima:
Goddess Lakshmi: It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends on the earth on this night and blesses those who are awake and dedicated.
Lord Krishna: In Vrindavan, this day is performed with the gopis under the moonlight under the moonlight.
Health and Treatment: Ayurveda suggests that moonlight carries healing properties on Sharad Purnima due to its special cooling and nutritious effects.
Fasting on Sharad Purnima
Many devotees fast for a day to seek prosperity, health and money blessings. Fasting breaks down only after giving kheer (sweet rice pudding) under the moonlight and after consuming it.
DOS observing Sharad Purnima Fast
Get up early and take a holy bath
During the Brahma Muhurta (East-Brother) to cleanse the body and the mind, start by bathing preferably.
Pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu
Worship Lakshmi with devotion. Chant mantras like flowers, sweets, and Lakshmi Ashtotara Shatanamavali.
Prepare kheer
Make rice kheer using milk, rice, sugar and dry fruits. Traditionally, it is placed under the moonlight for a few hours before consumption.
Stay awake at night (Jagran)
It is believed that people who wake up and pay attention to this night receive divine blessings.
Eat moonlight soaked kher
After bathing in the moonlight, eating kheer is considered highly auspicious and medical.
Donate
Donate clothes, food, or money to the poor and the needy. It is considered to be the work of merit on this day.
Not while observing fasting
Avoid onion and garlic
These are tamasic foods and are saved during most Hindu fasting to maintain spiritual purity.
Do not consume grain or salt before moonlight
Those who observe a strict fast should avoid solid food and salt until after moonlight.
Avoid sleeping during night
Should not try to sleep on the night of Sharad Purnima. It is believed that staying awake is to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Negative thoughts or actions should be avoided
Avoid any way of anger, gossip, lies and violence – keep your mind peaceful and focus on devotion.
Do not break the fast in a hurry
Wait until the moon appears and the ritual is completed before consuming the offerings.
Scientific relevance
On Sharad Purnima, the moon is considered to shine with all 16 periods (stages) – a rare phenomenon in lunar astronomy. Moonlight is considered the therapeutic properties that can nourish and rejuvenate the body.
How do people celebrate
- In Bengal: Kojagari was celebrated as Lakshmi Puja with grandeur.
- In Maharashtra and Odisha: It is common to prepare the night clogs, song hymns, and special offerings.
- In Vrindavan and Mathura: Devotees celebrated Raas Leela with drama, dance and devotion.
Brighten your way for peace, prosperity and purity to the full moon!