Sharad Purnima, also called Kojagari Purnima, Kumar Purnima or Raas Purnima depending on the region, is the full-moon night of the month of Ashwin. It comes right after Navratri and Dussehra and a couple of weeks before Diwali. People leave milk-rice pudding (kheer) under the moonlight, stay awake through the night and pray to Goddess Lakshmi. This guide explains the date, the customs and the meaning in simple language.
Sharad Purnima 2026 date
In 2026, Sharad Purnima is observed on the night of Sunday, 25 October. According to the calendars we checked, the purnima tithi begins around midday on 25 October (about 11:56 AM IST) and ends on the morning of 26 October (about 9:41 AM IST). Because the full moon is up on the night of the 25th, that is the night for the moonlight rituals. Some calendars list 26 October for daytime observances such as a holy bath and charity, since the tithi is still running at sunrise that day.
These timings are provisional and are given for India. Please check a local panchang for your city or country before you plan your puja.
What is Sharad Purnima?
“Sharad” refers to the autumn season and “purnima” to the full moon. According to traditional belief, the moon is at its brightest on this night and shines with all sixteen kalas (phases of beauty). Many families believe the moonlight on this night carries a special blessing, which is why kheer is kept in it.
Why is kheer kept under the moon?
The custom is to cook kheer from milk, rice and sugar, cover it with a thin cloth and place it in the moonlight for some hours. It is then eaten as prasad, often after midnight or the next morning. The belief is that the moon “rains nectar” (amrit) on this night and the kheer takes in its blessings. This is a matter of faith and tradition. It is not a medical treatment, and nobody should stop or change medicines because of it.
Kojagari: “Who is awake?”
The name Kojagari comes from the Sanskrit phrase ko jagarti, meaning “who is awake?” The story told in many homes is that Goddess Lakshmi moves through the night asking this question, and visits the homes where people are awake and praying. So families light lamps, sing devotional songs, play games and stay up together. In Bengal this night is Kojagori Lakshmi Puja, when a clay or picture image of Lakshmi is worshipped at home.
How Sharad Purnima is celebrated in different regions
- North India: kheer in the moonlight, fasting for some families, and a Lakshmi puja in the evening.
- Braj (Mathura–Vrindavan): Raas Purnima, remembering Krishna’s raas dance with the gopis, with special programmes in temples.
- Maharashtra and Gujarat: Kojagiri Purnima with masala milk and night-long gatherings.
- Odisha: Kumar Purnima, when girls dress up and worship the moon, and the festival is linked with Kartikeya.
- West Bengal: Kojagori Lokkhi Pujo, with alpona (rice-paste patterns) on the floor and a Lakshmi puja at home.
Simple Sharad Purnima puja at home
- Clean the house and draw simple rangoli or alpona at the entrance.
- In the evening, place an image of Lakshmi (with Vishnu, if your family does so) on a clean cloth and light a lamp.
- Offer flowers, fruit and sweets, and recite the aarti or prayers your family follows.
- Prepare kheer, cover it and keep it in the moonlight.
- Stay awake for some time, sing bhajans, and eat the kheer as prasad later.
Many families follow their own order and timings, and that is perfectly fine.
Sharad Purnima and the start of Kartik
After Sharad Purnima, the month of Kartik begins in the North Indian calendar. This is a busy season of festivals: Karwa Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami, Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj follow within about three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
The night of Sunday, 25 October 2026. The tithi runs into the morning of 26 October, so check your local panchang.
Is Sharad Purnima the same as Kojagari Purnima?
Yes. Kojagari Purnima and Sharad Purnima are two names for the same full moon of Ashwin. Raas Purnima and Kumar Purnima are regional names.
Should I eat the kheer right away?
Families usually keep it in the moonlight for some hours and eat it later as prasad. Follow your own tradition, and keep it covered and safe from insects.
Is there a Hindi page on this site?
Yes, see our Hindi guide to शरद पूर्णिमा.
Related reading: Karwa Chauth explained, Dussehra explained, Diwali, the festival of lights.
Religious beliefs and customs described here are traditional and vary by region and family. Dates and timings are provisional.
