Sharad Purnima 2026: Ever wondered why your family prepares a bowl of kheer and places it outside on the full moon night? It may seem to be an ordinary custom; however, it has an interesting story behind it. Once in a year, comes a day which has the Sharad Purnima night and where the moon becomes very auspicious for people. The devotees believe that the rays of the moon have Amrit in them.
However, why is kheer kept under the moonlight? What is so special about this full moon night? Find out!
Quick Glance: Sharad Purnima 2026
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Purnima Tithi Begins: October 25 at 11:55 AM
- Purnima Tithi Ends: October 26 at 9:41 AM
- Moonrise Time: Approximately 5:00 PM in New Delhi
- Main Tradition: Keeping kheer under moonlight
- Also Known As: Kojagari Purnima, Raas Purnima
When Is Sharad Purnima 2026?
As per Drik Panchang, Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This festival is celebrated on the occasion of Ashwin Purnima and is considered one of the holiest days of a full moon night in Hinduism. The fact worth mentioning here is that Sharad Purnima is also dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna.
Why Is Kheer Kept Under Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
This is perhaps the most interesting custom linked with Sharad Purnima. As per Hindu mythology, the moon has all sixteen Kalas, signifying completeness and divinity on this auspicious day.Devotees have the belief that the rays of the moon contain Amrit, meaning nourishment and purity.
Therefore, the reason families make kheer by mixing rice, milk, and sugar, which is then exposed to the moon’s rays. The kheer gains blessings from the moon and is later distributed as Prasad.
However, there is no scientific proof that moonlight has medicinal value for kheer. As kheer is made up of dairy products and can get spoilt, they must be properly stored in the refrigerator.
What Is the Spiritual Significance of Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima plays an important part in Hindu mythology. As per the Vaishnavites, this enchanting night is linked with Maha Raas performed by Lord Krishna along with Gopis of Vrindavan.
Similarly, in the eastern parts of India, people conduct the puja of Kojagari Lakshmi on this purnima, because they think that Goddess Lakshmi comes to the houses of devotees on this night. These are some of the ways in which Sharad Purnima connects with divine love and prosperity.
How to Perform Sharad Purnima Puja at Home?
Celebrating Sharad Purnima doesn’t involve a lot of complicated rituals. It is all about devotion and sincerity.
- Clean your house and create a tranquil prayer corner.
- Light up a diya and offer flowers to Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Krishna.
- Cook rice kheer as a traditional offering.
- Offer prayers and water to Chandra Dev after the moon rises.
- Let the covered kheer be under the moonlight for a while.
- Share the Prasad with the members of your family.
- Finally, Sharad Purnima is all about simplicity and generations of love and togetherness.
ALSO READ: Kojagara Puja 2026: Auspicious Timings, Lakshmi Puja Vidhi & Why This Night Matters
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FAQs About Sharad Purnima 2026
1. When will Sharad Purnima take place in 2026?
Sharad Purnima will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
2. Why is kheer put under moonlight during Sharad Purnima?
Traditionally, moonlight during Sharad Purnima is supposed to contain divine nectar, or Amrit.
3. Who is prayed to on Sharad Purnima?
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, and Chandra Dev are revered on Sharad Purnima depending on the local customs of devotees.
4. Are Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima one and the same festival?
Yes. Kojagari Purnima is another name of Sharad Purnima, especially in the case of Lakshmi puja in eastern India.