Sharad Purnima, one of the most significant full moon days (Purnima) in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with immense devotion and reverence. This year it will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. This day holds a special place in Hindu tradition as it is believed to be the only day of the year when the moon appears in its full glory, radiating with all sixteen Kala(phases). Lord Krishna, the complete incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born with all sixteen Kala, while Lord Rama was born with twelve.
Sharad Purnima 2024: Date and Time
| Event | Day/Date |
| Sharada Purnima | Wednesday, October 16, 2024 |
| Moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day | 05:06 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 08:40 PM on Oct 16, 2024 |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 04:55 PM on Oct 17, 2024 |
Sharad Purnima 2024: Significance
The festival is closely associated with the worship of the Moon God, Chandra. According to tradition, newlywed women who vow to observe the Purnimasi fast for the entire year begin their fasts from this day. In Gujarat, the festival is popularly known as Sharad Poonam.
On this day, the moon's rays are believed to possess healing properties that can nourish both the body and the soul. There is also a belief that the rays of the full moon drip nectar, which is why it is a custom to prepare a sweet dish known as Rice Kheer (made from cow’s milk, rice, and sugar) and leave it under the moonlight overnight. The next morning, the kheer, said to be energized by the moonlight, is eaten as prasad (blessed food) and shared among family members.
In the Brij region, Sharad Purnima is also called Raas Purnima, commemorating the night Lord Krishna performed the divine dance of love, known as Maha-Raas. It is believed that on this night, enchanted by Krishna's flute, the Gopis (female devotees) left their homes to join him in the forests of Vrindavan, where they danced together through the night. To accompany each Gopi, Krishna is said to have created multiple forms of himself. Mythology states that Krishna supernaturally extended the night to last as long as one night of Lord Brahma, which is equivalent to billions of human years.
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Sharad Purnima 2024: Kojagara Vrat and Rituals
- Fasting: Devotees observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and water. The fast is broken after moonrise with prasad (blessed food), usually Rice Kheer.
- Moon Worship: Worship of the Moon God (Chandra) is an integral part of the rituals. Offerings such as fruits, sweets, and rice are made to the Moon during the puja.
- Preparation of Rice Kheer: Rice Kheer is prepared using cow’s milk, rice, and sugar. It is left under the moonlight overnight to absorb the moon’s healing rays.
- Kheer as Prasad: The next morning, the Kheer is distributed among family members and consumed as prasad. The moon-blessed Kheer is believed to have nourishing and healing properties.
- Staying Awake: Devotees stay awake throughout the night, especially during Kojagara Vrat, to welcome the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, asking for wealth and prosperity.
- Chanting and Prayers: Devotees chant mantras and hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna and Chandra. Prayers are offered to seek blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.
- Special Puja: In the evening, a special puja is conducted, especially in regions observing Kojagara Vrat. Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped on this day for prosperity and good fortune.
Fasting and Puja Vidhi
On Sharad Purnima, many devotees observe a day-long fast, refraining from consuming food and water until the full moon rises. The fast is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, preparing the devotees to receive the blessings of the Moon God. Special puja (worship) is performed in the evening, where offerings such as fruits, rice, and sweets are made to the deities. Devotees also chant hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna and the Moon God, asking for health, wealth, and happiness.
Sharad Purnima is not just a celebration of the full moon but also a day filled with spiritual significance, fasting, and divine blessings. Whether observing the Kojagara Vrat or participating in the traditional rituals, this festival brings joy and a sense of spiritual fulfillment to devotees across India. The moonlit night of Sharad Purnima, with its promise of healing and prosperity, is truly a magical occasion.
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