Sharad Purnima 2026: Date, Moonlit Kheer & Kojagara Puja

Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on October 17, 2026 (Saturday), the full moon of Ashwin month. The night the Moon emits nectar (amrit), celebrated with moonlit kheer, Kojagara Lakshmi Puja, and Krishna's Raas Leela.

How to Make Sharad Purnima Kheer

Sharad Purnima Kheer recipe: Wash and soak rice (basmati or raw rice) for 30 minutes. Boil full-fat milk and add the soaked rice. Cook on medium-low flame, stirring frequently, until rice is soft and milk thickens. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of saffron. Optionally add dry fruits (raisins, almonds). Pour into a wide, flat vessel. After Moon worship (around 9-10 PM), place the vessel in a spot where moonlight falls directly on the kheer. Cover with a thin muslin cloth (to keep insects out while allowing moonlight in). Leave overnight. Consume as prasad the next morning after sunrise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sharad Purnima 2026 date?

Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on October 17, 2026 (Saturday), the full moon of the Ashwin month. Note: The same day as Ahoi Ashtami 2026. Sharad Purnima is also called Kojagari Purnima, Raas Purnima, or Kojaagari Lakshmi Puja. It is the full moon night when the moon is believed to emit nectar (amrit).

Why is Sharad Purnima special?

Sharad Purnima is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, when the Moon is at its brightest and most powerful in the year. Hindu scriptures say the Moon emits amrit (nectar) on this night. Keeping kheer (rice milk pudding) outside overnight allows it to absorb the Moon's healing rays, and this 'chandra-rasayana' kheer is consumed the next morning as a sacred remedy.

What is the tradition of Moonlit Kheer on Sharad Purnima?

The most beloved Sharad Purnima tradition: prepare fresh kheer (rice pudding with milk, sugar, and cardamom) and keep it in an open vessel under the moonlight from night until early morning. The kheer absorbs the Moon's rays (believed to carry amrit on this night) and is consumed the next morning. This Moon-blessed kheer is said to have healing properties and is especially beneficial for eye and respiratory health according to Ayurveda.

What is Kojagara Puja?

Kojagara Puja (Kojagari Purnima) is the tradition of staying awake all night on Sharad Purnima and performing puja for Goddess Lakshmi. 'Ko Jagriti?' means 'Who is awake?' The legend says Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on this night and blesses those she finds awake with prosperity. In Bengal and Odisha, this night is celebrated as Lakshmi Puja with full ceremonies.

What is the connection between Sharad Purnima and Lord Krishna?

Sharad Purnima is also called Raas Purnima, as it is the night when Lord Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela (cosmic dance) with the Gopis of Vrindavan. The full moon of Sharad created the perfect setting for this transcendental dance that represents the soul's longing for union with the divine. In Vrindavan and Mathura, the Raas Leela is performed by devotees on this night.

What rituals are performed on Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima rituals: Fast or eat light during the day. In the evening, perform Chandra Puja (Moon worship) with white flowers, white sweets, and milk. Prepare kheer and keep it under the moonlight. Stay up for part of or all of the night. Perform Lakshmi Puja (Kojagara). In Vrindavan, attend or witness Raas Leela performances. Distribute moonlit kheer as prasad the next morning.

Is the Sharad Purnima Moon really special astronomically?

Astronomically, Sharad Purnima (the full moon of October) is indeed special. As the Moon reaches its Full phase near the time when Earth is relatively closer to the Sun (as the Earth hasn't yet reached perihelion), the full moon appears especially bright. The cooler, clearer autumn air in North India also makes the moon appear exceptionally bright and white, giving the night an ethereal quality that ancient observers noted.

What foods are traditionally made on Sharad Purnima?

The key Sharad Purnima food is kheer (rice pudding), kept overnight in moonlight. Other traditional foods include: Makhana kheer (fox nut pudding), sandesh (Bengal), white rasgulla, white or saffron-colored sweets, mawa (khoya) sweets, and panjeeri. All foods on this day tend to be white or light-colored, representing the Moon's silver energy. Avoid dark-colored or heavily spiced foods.

Is Sharad Purnima good for fasting?

Yes, Sharad Purnima is an auspicious day for fasting. Devotees who observe the Sharad Purnima Vrat fast during the day, perform Moon puja in the evening, and break the fast the next morning after consuming the moonlit kheer. The fast is not as strict as Ekadashi fasting; fruits, milk, and light sattvic food are usually permitted depending on the devotee's tradition.