Sharad Purnima, a significant day in Hindu tradition, is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin. According to the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in mid or late October. In 2024, Sharad Purnima will be observed on Wednesday, October 16, with a radiant full moon lighting up the skies across India. The night is also known for the celebration of 'Raas Leela,' as it is believed that Lord Krishna performed his divine dance with Radha and the gopis of Vrindavan on this sacred occasion.
According to Drik Panchang, in 2024, Sharad Purnima will begin with the Purnima Tithi starting on October 16, 2024, at 8:40 PM, and ending on October 17, 2024, at 4:55 PM. The night of October 16th will be the most auspicious time for performing rituals, particularly preparing the Purnima kheer and placing it under the full moon for blessings.
Sharad Purnima is considered one of the most powerful nights of the year, when Chandra Dev, the Moon God, is at his full strength. This night is dedicated to both Lord Vishnu and the Moon God, and their energies are believed to be at their peak. According to tradition, the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is said to have special healing powers, improving health, enhancing mental clarity, and making it an ideal time to wish for blessings. Along with the moon’s energy, Goddess Lakshmi is also honored on this night. The Kojagari Vrat is observed with the belief that Maa Lakshmi roams the Earth on Sharad Purnima night, blessing devotees who pray to her with deep devotion.
The rituals for Sharad Purnima follow a pattern similar to many Indian festivals. Devotees observe a Purnima fast, often a Nirjala vrat (without water), and break their fast with kheer, which is prepared in the evening and left under the moonlight for several hours. The day begins with devotees rising early, taking a bath, and cleansing the home temple with Gangajal. After this purification, the daily puja is performed, accompanied by the recitation of the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha. Fasting is observed throughout the day, with devotees abstaining from food (and water for those keeping the Nirjala vrat), while spending the day in devotion, listening to hymns and mantras. In the evening, rice kheer is prepared and placed under the moonlight for at least two hours. Some devotees also stay awake through the night, particularly those observing the Kojagiri Vrat.
The preparation of kheer plays a significant role in the Sharad Purnima rituals. It is a simple dish made with pure cow's milk, rice, sugar, and a touch of cardamom, with no added essences or extracts to ensure its purity. After the evening puja, the kheer is placed in an open container and left outside under the moonlight. It is believed that the moon's rays on Sharad Purnima carry powerful healing energies, which are absorbed by the kheer, infusing it with positive vibrations.