Hindu festival
Sharad Purnima
Also known as Kojagari Purnima, Raas Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima.
In short
Sharad Purnima is the bright harvest full moon of Ashwin, when the moon is believed to shower nectar. Lakshmi is worshipped through the night (Kojagari), and rice-kheer is left under the moonlight to catch its healing rays. In Braj it is Raas Purnima, the night of Krishna's divine dance.
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When is Sharad Purnima?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Purnima (full moon) of the month of Ashwin — the harvest full moon that closes the rainy season
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Lakshmi
Kept as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja through the night in Bengal and the east, and as Raas Purnima in Braj, the night of Krishna's raas-lila. The moon is held to be at its brightest and most nourishing.
The story of Sharad Purnima
On this night the moon is said to be full in all sixteen of its phases and to rain down amrita, the nectar of life. Kheer is set out under its light so that it may absorb the moon's cooling, healing rays, and eaten at dawn as blessed.
In Bengal and the east, Lakshmi is believed to move through the night asking ko jagarti — 'who is awake?' — and to bless those who keep vigil for her. In Braj the same full moon is Raas Purnima, when Krishna danced the raas-lila with the gopis beneath it.
How is Sharad Purnima celebrated?
Families place kheer under the full moon overnight to catch its nectar-like rays, and eat it at dawn as blessed and healing. Lakshmi is worshipped through the night in hope of her visit (Kojagari); in Braj, devotees celebrate Krishna's raas-lila.
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
oṃ śrīṃ mahālakṣmyai namaḥ
I bow to Mahalakshmi, giver of abundance, grace, and well-being.
More Hindu festivals
About Sharad Purnima
When is Sharad Purnima?
On the Purnima (full moon) of Ashwin. The exact Gregorian date is set by the panchang each year.
Why is kheer kept under the moon on Sharad Purnima?
The Sharad Purnima moon is believed to shower nectar (amrita); kheer left under its rays overnight is held to become blessed and healing, and is eaten at dawn.
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