Sharad Purnima, an important full moon day in the Hindu calendar, is marked by deep devotion and spiritual significance. This year it will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. This festival occupies a unique place in Hindu tradition as it is believed to be the only day when the moon shines in its full form, displaying all sixteen kala (phases). . It is said that Lord Krishna, the full incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born with all sixteen Kalas while Lord Rama was born with twelve.

Important dates and times

• Sharad Purnima: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
• Moonrise on Sharad Purnima day: 5:06 pm
• Purnima Tithi Begins: 8:40 PM on October 16, 2024
• Purnima Tithi Ends: 4:55 PM on October 17, 2024

Meaning of Sharad Purnima

This festival is closely linked to the worship of Chandra, the moon god. Traditionally, newly married women who observe Purnimasi fast throughout the year start fasting on this auspicious day. In Gujarat, the festival is fondly called Sharad Poonam. The moon’s rays are said to have healing properties that can nourish both the body and the soul. A popular custom is to prepare a sweet dish called Rice Kheer (made from cow’s milk, rice and sugar) and leave it in the moonlight overnight. This kheer, energized by the glow of the moon, is consumed the next morning as prasad (blessed food) and shared among family members.

In the Brij region, Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima and commemorates the night when Lord Krishna performed the divine dance of love known as Maha-Raas. According to mythology, the gopis (female devotees), enchanted by Krishna’s flute, left their homes to join him in the forests of Vrindavan, where they danced all night. Krishna is said to have created multiple forms of himself to accompany each gopi. According to legend, Krishna extended the night so long that it lasted as long as one night of Lord Brahma, which is billions of human years.

Kojagara Vrat and rituals

The Kojagara Vrat is an essential aspect of Sharad Purnima. Here are the main rituals observed on this day:

• Fast: Devotees typically fast for a day, abstaining from food and water until moonrise. This fast is believed to purify the mind, body and soul and prepare the devotees to receive the blessings of the Moon God.
• Moon worship: Worship of Chandra is an essential part of the rituals. During puja (worship), offerings such as fruits, sweets and rice are made.
• Preparation of Rice Kheer: The preparation of Rice Kheer from cow’s milk, rice and sugar has a significant tradition. It is left to absorb the moon’s rays overnight.
• Kheer as Prasad: The next morning, the moon-blessed kheer is shared among the family as prasad, which is believed to have nourishing and healing properties.
• Stay awake: Devotees often stay awake all night, especially during Kojagara Vrat, to receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and pray for wealth and prosperity.
• Chants and Prayers: Mantras and hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna and Chandra are chanted. Devotees pray for health, prosperity and happiness.
• Special Puja: In the evening, especially in regions where Kojagara Vrat is celebrated, a special puja is held in which prayers are made to the Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and happiness.