Sharad Purnima, also known as Sharad Poonam and Kojagari Purnima, is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon night of the Ashwin month. According to Hindu tradition, this night is associated with Chandra Dev, Goddess Lakshmi, and the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna.
One of the most cherished traditions is preparing rice kheer and placing it under the moonlight. The kheer is later offered as prasad and shared with family members.
Sharad Purnima 2026: Date and Tithi
Sharad Purnima is expected to be observed on Sunday, 25 October 2026, according to calendars that follow the full-moon-night observance. The Purnima Tithi is expected to begin around midday on 25 October and end on the morning of 26 October. Exact timings vary by location and Panchang.
Why Is Kheer Kept Under the Moon on Sharad Purnima?
According to a popular Hindu belief, the moon on Sharad Purnima is especially auspicious and its rays are associated with amrit, or divine nectar. Families prepare milk-and-rice kheer, place it under the moonlight, and consume it as prasad.
This is a religious and cultural tradition; claims that moonlight gives kheer special medicinal properties are not scientifically established.
Sharad Purnima Kheer Ritual: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the kheer
Cook rice slowly in milk until it becomes soft and creamy. Add sugar according to taste, along with cardamom and optional nuts.
2. Allow it to cool
Let the kheer cool before placing it outside. Use a clean, food-safe vessel.
3. Perform the evening puja
Clean the worship area, light a diya, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev according to your family tradition.
4. Place the kheer in moonlight
After moonrise, place the covered vessel in a clean spot exposed to the moonlight, following your family's custom. Protect it from insects, dust, birds, and animals.
5. Offer the kheer as prasad
Offer the kheer during prayers and share it with family members. Some families consume it late at night, while others distribute it the following morning.
Food-safety tip: Dairy-based kheer should not be left unrefrigerated outdoors all night. If you follow the moonlight ritual, expose a small portion briefly in a protected, clean vessel, then refrigerate it promptly. Do not consume food that has been left out in unsafe conditions.
Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi
Clean the home and prepare the puja area.
Arrange a picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi and a small offering for Chandra Dev.
Light a diya and offer flowers, rice, sweets, and water according to your tradition.
Offer prayers or recite a Lakshmi stotra or Chandra mantra if customary.
Prepare kheer as an offering.
Pray at moonrise and share the prasad with your family.
Religious Significance of Sharad Purnima
Worship of Chandra Dev
In Hindu tradition, the Moon is associated with the mind, emotions, and calmness. Sharad Purnima is considered an auspicious occasion for Chandra worship.
Goddess Lakshmi and Kojagari Purnima
In several regional traditions, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and observe a night vigil. The name “Kojagari” is traditionally linked to the question, “Who is awake?” Devotional practices and customs vary by region.
Lord Krishna's Raas Leela
In the Krishna-bhakti tradition, Sharad Purnima is associated with the divine Raas Leela of Lord Krishna and the gopis of Vrindavan.
Traditional Practices on Sharad Purnima
Offer prayers to Chandra Dev and Goddess Lakshmi.
Prepare kheer or another traditional sweet offering.
Read or listen to the Sharad Purnima Vrat Katha if followed by your family.
Share prasad with loved ones.
Spend time in prayer, gratitude, and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
Many Panchang calendars place Sharad Purnima on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Confirm the observance and local timings with a reliable regional Panchang.
Why is rice kheer prepared on Sharad Purnima?
It is a long-standing religious tradition. Kheer is placed in moonlight as a symbolic offering and later shared as prasad.
How long should kheer be kept under the moon?
Traditionally, some families leave it out for much of the night. For food safety, avoid leaving dairy food unrefrigerated for extended periods.
Is Sharad Purnima also called Sharad Poonam?
Yes. Sharad Poonam is a common name for Sharad Purnima, especially in Gujarat.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima celebrates devotion, gratitude, and the beauty of the full moon. The tradition of preparing kheer, offering prayers, and sharing prasad brings families together and keeps cherished cultural practices alive.
May Sharad Purnima bring peace, devotion, and happiness to every home.
