Sharad Purnima 2026 (Ashwin Purnima) – Date, Muhurat & Rituals
Sharad Purnima 2026 (Ashwin Purnima): Date, Muhurat & Puja Guide
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 the monsoon and the beginning of autumn (Sharad season). It is celebrated across India with rituals, Lakshmi Puja, and the unique tradition of keeping Kheer under the moonlight.
🌕 Key Ritual: Keeping Kheer under moonlight (Amrit Varsha).
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 |
| Moonrise (Approx) | ~05:30 PM – 05:50 PM (varies by city) |
Note: Tithi & moonrise depend on your city; please verify with your local panchang.
Significance & Major Observances
Sharad Purnima is remembered in many traditions as the night of Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela. In other regions, particularly Bengal and Odisha, it is celebrated as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. Devotees stay awake (Jagran), perform Satyanarayan Puja, offer kheer under the moonlight, and participate in bhajans.
Why is Kheer placed under the Moon?
Tradition says the full moon manifests all 16 Kalas (divine phases) on this night. The moonlight is believed to drip nectar (Amrit) and has healing properties. Milk-based Kheer is left under the moonlight overnight to absorb this energy and is consumed as Prasad the next morning for good health.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi
- Preparation: Prepare pure Kheer (milk + rice + nuts + saffron) and place it in a clean vessel covered with a net/mesh under direct moonlight.
- Puja: Perform Lakshmi Puja or Satyanarayan Puja in the evening. Light diyas and recite mantras.
- Jagran: Stay awake, sing bhajans, or play games (traditional dice games are popular in some regions).
- Prasad: Share the moon-blessed Kheer as Prasad the next morning.
Regional Variations
- West Bengal / Odisha: Celebrated as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. It is believed Goddess Lakshmi visits homes at night asking “Ko Jagarti?” (Who is awake?).
- North India (Braj Region): Celebrated as Raas Purnima, commemorating the divine dance of Lord Krishna and the Gopis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sharad Purnima falls on 26 October 2026. The Purnima tithi begins on 25 Oct 2026 at 11:55 AM IST and ends on 26 Oct 2026 at 09:41 AM IST.
It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, the moon drips nectar (Amrit) which has healing properties. Placing Kheer under the moonlight allows it to absorb this divine energy.
Yes, Purnima is the most auspicious day for Satyanarayan Puja. Doing it on Sharad Purnima brings immense prosperity and peace to the household.
