In the Hindu lunar calendar, Sharad Poornima, also called Kojagari Poornima or Kaumudi Poornima, is a major Hindu festival that is observed on the full moon night of the Ashwin month (September–October). This celebration, which has great cultural, religious, and seasonal significance, signals the end of the monsoon season and the start of the harvest season.
Full Moon Night: Sharad Poornima is a significant occasion since it is the only day of the year when the moon appears in all sixteen kalas (phases). Hindus believe that these sixteen kalas, which represent completion, are connected to Lord Krishna.
Goddess Lakshmi: It is said in many regions of India that on this night, the goddess of prosperity and money, Goddess Lakshmi, descends to Earth and bestows wealth and good fortune onto those who remain up and perform puja.
Lord Krishna: On this night in Vrindavan, people also celebrate the Raas Lila, a beautiful dance that Lord Krishna performed with Radha and the Gopis, or milkmaids.
Customs and Festivities:
Puja and fasting: Devotees carry out puja ceremonies honouring Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. Houses are cleaned, then rangoli and lights are added for decoration.
Remaining Awake: It’s customary to remain awake all night long, frequently indulging in devotional activities such as kirtans and bhajans to elicit the blessings of the gods.
Offering of Kheer: Before being eaten, a special meal, typically kheer (sweet rice pudding), is cooked and set out under the moon. It’s thought that the moonlight intensifies the kheer’s curative properties.
Moonlight Bath: Taking a moonlight bath is a practice in certain cultures because it is thought to have soothing and health-promoting qualities.
Regional Differences
West Bengal: This day is observed as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja in West Bengal. To honour the goddess, women observe fasts, offer Lakshmi pujas, and remain awake all night.
Maharashtra: Celebrated as Kojagiri Poornima, families assemble on gardens or in public areas to take in the moonlight, sip milk flavoured with cardamom and saffron, and take part in cultural events.
Gujarat: The worship of Lord Indra and Goddess Lakshmi takes place in Gujarat during the night. Devotees sing religious tunes and dance the traditional Garba.
Odisha: On Kumar Purnima, young girls engage in traditional activities and songs while worshipping the moon and asking for a suitable life spouse.
Cultural Factors
Community Get-Togethers: Sharad Poornima is a time when local communities come together to celebrate with cultural events, dances, and feasts.
Medical Beliefs: It’s a common misconception that the full moon’s rays may treat medical conditions. For this reason, foods like kheer are cooked under the moonlight to impart these qualities.
Sharad Poornima is a colourful celebration that combines spirituality, kinship, and cultural legacy. It’s a moment to give thanks for the crop, ask for heavenly favours, and take in the peaceful beauty of the full moon.
Date – 16th Oct, 2024
Day – Sharad Poornima
Moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day – 17:05
Purnima Tithi Begins – 20:40 on Oct 16, 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends – 16:55 on Oct 17, 2024
