Sharad Purnima, one of the most auspicious full moon days in the Hindu calendar, will be celebrated on Monday, October 6, 2025. This sacred night marks the brightest full moon of the year, when devotees believe the moon shines with all sixteen Kala(s) symbolising completeness, prosperity, and divine energy.

SHARAD PURNIMA 2025 DATE AND TIMINGS

• Purnima Tithi Begins: 12:23 pm on October 6, 2025

• Purnima Tithi Ends: 09:16 am on October 7, 2025

• Moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day: 05:27 pm

According to Hindu beliefs, the moon on this night possesses special healing properties. Observing the moonlight or preparing food under its glow is considered spiritually purifying and beneficial for health.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SHARAD PURNIMA

Sharad Purnima holds immense spiritual and cultural importance across India. It is believed to be the only night of the year when the moon radiates all sixteen Kala(s) the divine attributes that complete a human personality.

• Lord Krishna, regarded as the full incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born with all sixteen Kala(s).

• Lord Rama, by contrast, was born with twelve Kala(s).

• Hence, worshipping Lord Chandra (Moon God) on this day is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and fulfillment.

RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS

MOON WORSHIP (CHANDRA PUJA)
Devotees perform special pujas in the evening after moonrise, offering milk, rice, flowers, and prayers to Lord Chandra. The rituals are believed to cleanse the soul and attract positive energy.

FASTING (PURIMASI VRAT)
Many newly married women begin their annual Purnimasi fast from this day. The fast symbolises dedication and purity, with prayers for family happiness and longevity.

PREPARATION OF KHEER

A traditional sweet dish, Rice-Kheer (made with cow milk, rice, and sugar), is prepared and left overnight in the moonlight. It is believed that moon rays on this night drip amrit (nectar), enriching the Kheer with divine essence. The next morning, it is consumed as Prasad, symbolising blessings of health and prosperity.

SHARAD PURNIMA IN DIFFERENT REGIONS

IN GUJARAT – SHARAD POONAM

In Gujarat, the festival is known as Sharad Poonam, marked by night-long garba and dandiya celebrations. Devotees sing devotional songs and dance under the full moon, celebrating abundance and love.

IN BRAJ REGION – RAAS PURNIMA

In the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, Sharad Purnima is also called Raas Purnima. According to mythology, Lord Krishna performed the Maha-Raas (divine dance of love) with the Gopis of Vrindavan on this very night.

It is believed that Krishna multiplied himself to dance with each Gopi, and the night was miraculously extended to the equivalent of one night of Lord Brahma, spanning billions of human years, symbolising eternal love and devotion.

IN EASTERN INDIA – KOJAGARA PURNIMA OR KOJAGIRI VRAT

In Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar, the festival is celebrated as Kojagara Purnima or Kaumudi Vrat. The term “Kojagara” means “Who is awake?” a call from Goddess Lakshmi to bless those who stay awake and worship her throughout the night.

Devotees observe the Kojagara Vrat, remain awake, chant hymns, and pray for wealth, fortune, and happiness.

THE DIVINE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FULL MOON NIGHT

Traditional belief and Ayurveda both emphasise that on Sharad Purnima, moon rays are laden with healing energies. Sitting in the moonlight or consuming milk-based foods exposed to it is said to:

This aligns with the seasonal transition from monsoon to winter, making it a time for rejuvenation and spiritual reflection.

Sharad Purnima celebrates the union of devotion, nature, and divine love. Whether observed as Raas Purnima in Braj, Sharad Poonam in Gujarat, or Kojagara Purnima in Bengal, the festival reflects India’s rich cultural diversity and spiritual depth. On this night of divine radiance, devotees find joy in music, prayer, and the healing light of the full moon.

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