Sharad Purnima 2026: Date, Timings, Significance, Puja Vidhi & Vrat Katha
Sharad Purnima is one of the most auspicious full moon festivals in Hinduism. Celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashwin, this sacred occasion is associated with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the beauty of the full moon, and the divine love of Lord Krishna. Devotees observe fasts, worship deities, prepare traditional offerings, and spend time under the moonlight to seek happiness, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
Also known as Kojagari Purnima and Raas Purnima in different traditions, Sharad Purnima holds a special place in Hindu religious practices. Many devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this night brings prosperity and good fortune to the household. Here is everything you need to know about Sharad Purnima 2026, including its date, timings, significance, puja vidhi, and traditional observances.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date and Timings
Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, offer prayers to the full moon, and perform Kojagara Puja according to their regional customs.
The important timings for Sharad Purnima 2026 are:
- Festival Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 11:55 AM on October 25, 2026
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 09:41 AM on October 26, 2026
- Kojagara Puja / Nishita Time: 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM on October 26
- Moonrise: Around 05:00 PM onwards, depending on location
These timings should be verified against the local Hindu Panchang before performing the rituals, as moonrise and auspicious puja timings can vary by city.
What Is Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima marks the full moon night of the Sharad season, which follows the monsoon in much of India. The sky is often clear during this period, making the full moon a prominent feature of the celebration.
The festival is associated with spiritual purity, prosperity, devotion, and gratitude. In many parts of India, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Chandra, the Moon God. In Vaishnava traditions, Sharad Purnima is also connected with Lord Krishna's divine Raas Leela with the Gopis of Vrindavan.
The festival is celebrated under different names across regions. Kojagari Purnima is especially associated with Lakshmi worship and staying awake during the night, while Raas Purnima highlights the divine love of Lord Krishna.
Significance of Sharad Purnima
1. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the deity of wealth, prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. On Sharad Purnima, devotees clean their homes, decorate their puja spaces, light diyas, and offer prayers to invite her blessings.
Kojagara Puja is traditionally performed at night. The word Kojagara is commonly associated with the question, “Who is awake?” According to popular belief, Goddess Lakshmi blesses those who remain awake in devotion and worship her with sincerity.
2. Connection with Lord Krishna
Sharad Purnima is closely associated with Lord Krishna's Raas Leela, a divine dance described in Hindu devotional traditions. It symbolises divine love, devotion, and the soul's longing for union with God.
Devotees may sing Krishna bhajans, recite devotional texts, visit temples, and offer prayers to celebrate this sacred connection.
3. Spiritual Importance of the Full Moon
The full moon represents completeness, calmness, and spiritual reflection in many Hindu traditions. Devotees offer prayers to Chandra Dev and seek peace, emotional balance, and well-being.
The moonlit night also provides an opportunity for families to gather, share traditional food, and participate in devotional activities.
Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi
Devotees can follow these traditional steps to perform Sharad Purnima Puja at home.
Step 1: Clean the House and Puja Area
Clean your home and worship area before beginning the rituals. Decorate the entrance with rangoli and flowers, and prepare a clean space for the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
Step 2: Take a Bath and Prepare for Puja
Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and arrange the required puja samagri. Common items include flowers, incense sticks, a diya, kumkum, rice grains, fruits, sweets, and a water-filled kalash.
Step 3: Worship Goddess Lakshmi
Place the image or idol of Goddess Lakshmi in the puja area. Light a diya, offer flowers and sweets, and chant Lakshmi mantras. Devotees may recite the Shri Suktam or Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali according to their family traditions.
Step 4: Offer Prayers to the Moon
After moonrise, offer prayers to Chandra Dev. Devotees may offer water as arghya and seek blessings for peace, harmony, and prosperity.
Step 5: Perform Kojagara Puja
Perform Lakshmi Puja during the prescribed Kojagara period, following the local Panchang and family customs. Some devotees remain awake through the night while chanting mantras, singing bhajans, and reading sacred texts.
Step 6: Prepare Traditional Offerings
Rice kheer is a popular offering associated with Sharad Purnima. Some families place the prepared kheer under the moonlight before consuming it as prasad. This is a traditional religious practice rather than a scientifically established health benefit.
Sharad Purnima Vrat and Food Traditions
Many devotees observe a fast on Sharad Purnima to express devotion and seek divine blessings. Fasting practices differ according to regional customs, family traditions, and personal capacity.
Some devotees observe a day-long fast and perform puja at night, while others consume fruits, milk, or permitted fasting foods. After the rituals, families may share prasad and traditional dishes.
Rice kheer prepared with milk, rice, and sugar is one of the most popular foods associated with the festival. Dry fruits and cardamom may be added according to taste and tradition.
People who are unable to fast for health reasons can participate through prayer, charity, and devotional activities.
What Is the Importance of Kheer on Sharad Purnima?
Preparing kheer is a well-known Sharad Purnima tradition. Devotees offer it to Goddess Lakshmi or other deities according to their customs and later distribute it as prasad.
In many households, kheer is placed under the moonlight as part of the observance. This practice reflects the religious and cultural importance of the full moon night. Customs vary, so devotees can follow the traditions observed by their families and local temples.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima 2026 will be celebrated on October 25, bringing devotees together for a night of prayer, gratitude, and spiritual reflection. From worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and offering prayers to Chandra Dev to celebrating Lord Krishna's divine Raas Leela, the festival carries deep religious significance.
By performing Lakshmi Puja, observing the vrat according to one's capacity, preparing traditional kheer, and participating in charitable activities, devotees can celebrate Sharad Purnima with devotion and joy. The festival reminds us to welcome prosperity with gratitude, nurture faith, and bring peace and positivity into our homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q1. When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
Ans. Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The Purnima Tithi begins at 11:55 AM on October 25 and ends at 09:41 AM on October 26.
Q2. Which gods are worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
Ans. Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev are worshipped during Sharad Purnima. In many Vaishnava traditions, devotees also celebrate Lord Krishna's Raas Leela.
Q3. What is Kojagara Puja?
Ans. Kojagara Puja is a nighttime worship ritual dedicated primarily to Goddess Lakshmi. It is associated with prayers for prosperity, abundance, and good fortune.
Q4. Why is kheer prepared on Sharad Purnima?
Ans. Kheer is prepared as a traditional offering and distributed as prasad. Some families place it under the moonlight as part of their Sharad Purnima observance.
Q5. Can we observe Sharad Purnima vrat without fasting?
Ans. Yes. Devotees who cannot fast can offer prayers, worship Goddess Lakshmi, chant mantras, and perform charitable acts according to their capacity and family traditions.
