Sharad Purnima 2026: Date, Significance, Timings And The Ritual Of Keeping Kheer Under Moonlight

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Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Dedicated to the autumn full moon, the festival is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna's Raas Leela and the tradition of preparing kheer under moonlight. Devotees mark the occasion through prayers, fasting and night-long vigils, with rituals varying across regions.

Sharad Purnima 2026 Date And Tithi Timings

According to Drik Panchang's New Delhi calendar, the Purnima Tithi begins at 11:55 AM on October 25 and ends at 9:41 AM on October 26, 2026. Moonrise in New Delhi is expected at 5:00 PM on October 25.

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The main night-time observance falls on October 25, although the Purnima Tithi continues into the following morning. Moonrise timings vary by location, so devotees should consult their local panchang for accurate timings.

Significance Of Sharad Purnima 2026

Sharad Purnima is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity and abundance. In the Kojagari tradition, devotees stay awake during the night, reflecting the belief that the goddess visits the world and asks, "Ko jagarti?", meaning "Who is awake?" Prayers are offered to seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.

The festival is also significant for devotees of Lord Krishna. In the Braj tradition, the autumn full moon is associated with his Maha Raas Leela with Radha and the gopis of Vrindavan.

Another traditional belief holds that the moon shines with all sixteen kalas, or attributes, on this night. Its light is considered auspicious and associated with amrit, or nectar.

Sharad Purnima 2026 Rituals And Traditions

Devotees may begin the day by cleaning their homes and preparing a space for worship. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with flowers, lamps, incense, fruits and sweets. Some devotees also offer prayers to Chandra Dev, the deity associated with the moon.

Preparing kheer using milk and rice is one of the festival's best-known customs. The dish is traditionally placed under moonlight as an offering and later shared as prasad. Some families also observe a night vigil by chanting prayers, singing bhajans or reading religious texts. Fasting practices vary according to regional and family traditions.

Keeping kheer under moonlight is rooted in religious belief. There is no established scientific evidence that moonlight gives the dish special medicinal properties. For food safety, kheer should be covered and refrigerated promptly rather than left outdoors overnight.

How Sharad Purnima Is Celebrated Across India

The festival is known as Kojagari Purnima in several regional traditions. In Maharashtra, Kojagiri Purnima is associated with prayers and drinking milk under the moonlight. In Gujarat, it is called Sharad Punam, while the Braj region places particular emphasis on Krishna's Raas Leela.

Sharad Purnima brings together traditions of devotion, food and moon worship. Whether observed through Lakshmi Puja, a night vigil or the preparation of kheer, the festival offers devotees an opportunity to honour longstanding customs and reflect on the spiritual significance of the autumn full moon.