Sharad Purnima 2026 (Ashwin Purnima) – Date, Muhurat & Rituals
Sharad Purnima 2026 (Ashwin Purnima) — Date, Muhurat, Significance & Puja Guide
Date (main observance): 26 October 2026
What is Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima (also called Raas Purnima or Kojagari Purnima) is the full-moon festival of the lunar month of Ashwin. It marks the end of monsoon and beginning of autumn (Sharad season) and is celebrated across India with rituals, kheer under moonlight, Lakshmi Puja, and devotional gatherings.
Muhurat & Moonrise — Sharad Purnima 2026
| Event | Timing (IST) |
|---|---|
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 25 Oct 2026 — 11:55 AM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 26 Oct 2026 — 09:41 AM |
| Approx. Moonrise (example city times) | ~05:30–05:50 PM (local city variation) |
Note: tithi & moonrise depend on your city; please verify with your local panchang or DrikPanchang / ProKerala.
Significance & Major Observances
Sharad Purnima is remembered in many traditions as the night of Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela; in other regions it is predominantly a Kojagari Lokkhi / Lakshmi Puja. Devotees stay awake (jagran), perform Lakshmi/Satyanarayan puja, offer kheer under moonlight, and participate in bhajans and community prayers.
Why is kheer placed under the moon?
Tradition says the full moon manifests all sixteen kalas on this night; moonlight is considered cooling and health-giving. Milk-based kheer left under the moonlight is offered as prasad the next day. While the belief is devotional, it remains a cherished cultural practice across households.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi (brief)
- Prepare pure kheer (milk + rice + nuts + saffron) and place it in a clean vessel exposed to moonlight.
- Perform Lakshmi/Satyanarayan Puja in the evening; light diyas and recite mantras.
- Stay awake; sing bhajans or do jagran. Share kheer as prasad the next morning.
Mantras commonly chanted
Many devotees chant Lakshmi mantras on this night (for e.g., Om Hreem Shreem Mahalaxmiyei Namah) and recite prayers specific to their family tradition.
Regional variations
In Bengal and Odisha the festival is strongly associated with Lakshmi Puja (Kojagari/Kojaagari Purnima). In Vrindavan/Mathura traditions, the emphasis is on Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela and devotional enactments.
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FAQs
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
Sharad Purnima falls on 26 October 2026; the Purnima tithi begins on 25 Oct and continues into 26 Oct 2026 (see table above).
Why is kheer placed under moonlight?
It’s a devotional tradition tied to the belief that the moon has nourishing/soothing rays on this night and that the prasad becomes blessed and healing when moon-charged.
