Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on October 25. Discover why kheer is kept under moonlight, the puja rituals, moonrise time and religious significance.
Sharad Purnima 2026: Sharad Purnima is considered an auspicious occasion in Hindu tradition and is associated with devotion, prosperity and the special beauty of the full moon. In 2026, the festival’s main night-time observances are expected to take place on October 25. One of the most well-known customs is preparing kheer and placing it under the open sky in the moonlight before consuming it as prasad.
Also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Raas Purnima, the festival falls on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. Religious traditions associate this night with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna and the belief that the Moon shines with all 16 kalas, or phases. Here is everything to know about Sharad Purnima 2026, including its date, moonrise, auspicious timings, kheer ritual and puja vidhi.
Sharad Purnima 2026: Date and Tithi
The full moon phase spans two calendar dates in October 2026, which may cause confusion about the festival’s observance. According to the supplied Hindu calendar timings, the Purnima Tithi begins on October 25 and ends on October 26.
The main night-time rituals, including Moon worship and placing kheer under moonlight, are traditionally associated with the night of October 25. Rituals such as bathing and donations that follow the Udaya Tithi tradition may be observed on the morning of October 26.
Devotees should consult their local Panchang for the exact tithi timings and guidance according to their regional customs.
Sharad Purnima 2026: Moonrise Time and Auspicious Muhurat
Moonrise and ritual timings can vary depending on the location. The following schedule is based on the timings provided for the festival.
Festival night: October 25, 2026
Expected moonrise: After 5:40 PM, depending on the city
Suggested time for placing kheer under moonlight: 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Bathing and donation rituals: Morning of October 26, according to the relevant local tradition
For accurate timings, check a reliable local Panchang before planning the puja.
Why Is Kheer Kept Under Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
Placing kheer beneath the open sky is one of the most popular customs associated with Sharad Purnima 2026. Kheer, generally prepared with milk and rice, is offered to deities and placed in the moonlight as part of the traditional observance.
According to Hindu religious beliefs, the Moon’s rays on Sharad Purnima night are associated with divine nectar, often referred to as amrit. It is believed that keeping kheer under the moonlight allows the offering to absorb these special qualities. The kheer is then consumed as prasad, symbolising blessings, well-being and abundance.
Families may prepare the dish with cow’s milk and rice and place it in a clean glass or earthen vessel. A fine mesh or suitable cover can help protect the food from insects while allowing it to remain outdoors.
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Some traditional accounts also associate the ritual with health and the balance of Pitta Dosha. However, these are traditional beliefs rather than scientifically established medical benefits. Kheer should be kept hygienically covered, and food left outdoors should be checked for safety before consumption.
Religious Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima holds a special place in Hindu religious traditions. The full moon is regarded as a symbol of completeness, while the festival is linked with devotion, prosperity and spiritual observance.
Goddess Lakshmi and the Belief of ‘Ko Jagarti?’
Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi is an important part of the festival. According to a popular belief, the Goddess visits Earth on Sharad Purnima night and asks, “Ko Jagarti?”, meaning “Who is awake?”
This belief is associated with the custom of staying awake during the night while praying to Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees worship the Goddess and may recite the Shri Sukta, seeking blessings for prosperity, happiness and financial well-being.
Connection With Lord Krishna and Raas Purnima
Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima in traditions associated with Lord Krishna. Religious accounts connect the full moon night with Krishna’s divine Raas Leela with the gopis of Vrindavan. For devotees, this association represents divine love, devotion and spiritual joy.
These traditions are observed in different ways across regions, with local customs shaping the form of worship.
Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi: How to Worship Goddess Lakshmi
Devotees can follow these traditional steps for Sharad Purnima 2026, adapting the rituals according to their family customs and local Panchang.
Clean the worship area: Tidy the puja space and take a bath before beginning the rituals.
Place the Goddess’s idol or picture: Arrange an image of Goddess Lakshmi at the place of worship.
Make traditional offerings: Offer flowers, incense, a ghee lamp and other customary items.
Prepare kheer: Cook rice and milk to make kheer and offer it as bhog.
Place kheer under the moonlight: After moonrise, place the prepared kheer outdoors according to family tradition, keeping it protected from insects.
Offer prayers: Worship Goddess Lakshmi and, if customary, Lord Krishna and the Moon. Recite the Shri Sukta or other devotional prayers.
Consume the prasad: The following morning, share the kheer with family members after ensuring it has been stored safely.
Some devotees also observe a night-long vigil as part of their religious practice.
How Is Sharad Purnima Celebrated?
Celebrations vary across India, but common practices include Lakshmi puja, preparing kheer, offering prayers to the Moon and spending time in devotional activities. In some households, family members remain awake through the night, sing bhajans or read religious texts.
The festival brings together spiritual traditions, family customs and the symbolism of the autumn full moon. For many devotees, the kheer ritual is a meaningful way to express gratitude and seek blessings for health, happiness and prosperity.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima 2026 will be marked by traditional worship, moonlight rituals and the preparation of kheer, with the main night-time observances associated with October 25. The custom of keeping kheer under the open sky reflects religious beliefs about the Moon’s auspicious rays and the offering’s symbolic connection with divine nectar.
Devotees planning the festival should confirm the tithi and local moonrise timings through a trusted Panchang. They can then follow their family traditions while observing food safety when preparing and storing kheer.
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