In Sanatan Dharma, the full moon day, or Purnima Tithi, is considered highly auspicious. However, the full moon of Ashwin month, known as Sharad Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, and Raas Purnima, holds a special place because of its religious and spiritual significance. This sacred festival marks the arrival of the Sharad season and is associated with Lord Shri Krishna’s divine Raas Leela, worship of Goddess Lakshmi, devotion to the Moon, and acts of charity and service.
According to religious beliefs, the night of Sharad Purnima is considered highly sacred. On this day, the Moon shines in its full glory, and there is a tradition of meditation, worship, and remembering the divine under the soothing moonlight. For this reason, Sharad Purnima is regarded as a special occasion for devotion, spiritual reflection, and performing virtuous deeds.
In 2026, Sharad Purnima will be observed on October 25, 2026. The Purnima Tithi will begin at 11:55 AM on October 25 and end at 9:41 AM on October 26. According to the Udaya Tithi and religious tradition, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on October 25.
Several religious beliefs are associated with Sharad Purnima in the Sanatan tradition. It is believed that on this night, the Moon shines in its full form with all sixteen kalas. In Sanatan philosophy, the Moon is associated with the mind, and therefore, the cool moonlight of the full moon is traditionally considered conducive to peace of mind and spiritual awareness.
The belief in the sixteen kalas is also associated with Lord Shri Krishna. Lord Shri Krishna is traditionally regarded as an incarnation complete with all sixteen kalas. Therefore, Sharad Purnima also becomes an occasion to express devotion to Lord Shri Krishna and remember his divine form.
In the Braj region, Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima. The Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapurana contains a divine description of Lord Shri Krishna’s Raas Leela. According to religious tradition, on the sacred night of Sharad Purnima, Lord Shri Krishna performed the divine Maha Raas with the Gopis in Vrindavan.
Attracted by the melodious sound of Lord Shri Krishna’s flute, the Gopis came to him and participated in the divine Raas. In the Sanatan tradition, this Raas is not viewed as an ordinary worldly dance but as a symbol of the divine love and surrender between the individual soul and the Supreme Being.
For this reason, Sharad Purnima night is celebrated with special devotion, devotional singing, Raas Leela performances, and worship of Lord Shri Krishna in the Braj region.
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima. According to religious belief, remembering and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this sacred night brings happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness to the home.
On this day, devotees clean their homes, light lamps in the evening, and worship Goddess Lakshmi according to traditional rituals. In many places, there is also a tradition of staying awake during the night. Devotees spend the night singing devotional songs, performing kirtan, and remembering the name of the divine.
One of the most well-known traditions of Sharad Purnima is placing kheer under the moonlight at night. According to religious belief, the rays of the Moon on this night are believed to have a special, nectar-like quality.
Because of this tradition, kheer made from milk and rice is placed under the open sky and is consumed as prasad the following day. In the Braj region, there is also a tradition of preparing special sweets along with kheer. Devotees place the preparations under the cool rays of the Moon and consume them as prasad the next morning.
In the Sanatan tradition, charity is regarded as a virtuous act. Donation is not merely a way of giving money; it is also considered a means of nurturing feelings of sacrifice, compassion, and service towards others.
Religious scriptures describe the significance of giving charity with devotion to deserving recipients. The Kurma Purana states:
Svargayur-bhuti-kamena tatha papopashantaye.
Mumukshuna cha datavyam brahmanebhyas tathavaham.
This means that a person seeking heaven, longevity, prosperity, freedom from sins, or liberation should give charity with devotion to worthy recipients.
In charity, intention and the deserving nature of the recipient are given special importance. Therefore, on an auspicious occasion such as Sharad Purnima, serving those in need and offering food are regarded as meaningful forms of service.
On the sacred occasion of Sharad Purnima, along with prayers and worship, take a resolve to participate in food charity and service. Providing food to someone in need is an expression of compassion and humanity.
This Sharad Purnima, support food service for the needy, helpless, and children with disabilities associated with Narayan Seva Sansthan. According to your ability, take a pledge to support food service and share the warmth of care and belonging with these children.
While remembering Lord Shri Hari and Goddess Lakshmi under the sacred moonlight of Sharad Purnima, this small act of service can make your celebration even more meaningful.
Q. When is Sharad Purnima 2026?
A. Sharad Purnima will be observed on October 25, 2026.
Q. Why is kheer kept outside on the night of Sharad Purnima?
A. There is a tradition of keeping kheer under the cool rays of the Moon on the night of Sharad Purnima. According to religious belief, the Moon’s rays are considered to have a special influence on this night, and the kheer is consumed as prasad.
Q. Who is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
A. On Sharad Purnima, Lord Shri Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi are traditionally worshipped, and their devotion holds special significance.
On Papankusha Ekadashi, traditions of worshipping Lord Vishnu, fasting, chanting His name, listening to religious stories, night vigil, and charity have been followed. This day provides an opportunity to light the lamp of devotion and spirituality within oneself.
In 2026, Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11. This year, the belief that Maa Durga arrives riding an elephant is receiving special attention. Devotees worship the Goddess in her Gajvahini form and pray for happiness, peace, and prosperity in their lives.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins 11 October with Ghatasthapana and concludes with Dussehra on 20 October. Get the full Ghatasthapana Muhurat, day-wise Durga Puja calendar, colours, and puja vidhi inside.
