Sharad Purnima Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Sharad Purnima is the full moon of the Sharad (autumn) season. It is believed that the moon's rays have healing properties on this night. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity.
Sharad Purnima Mythology & Legend
According to tradition, on this night the moon is closest to the earth and its nectar-like rays bless the earth. Lord Krishna performed the Maha Raas with the Gopis on Sharad Purnima. It is also called Kojagari Purnima—Lakshmi is believed to descend and bless those who stay awake.
Sharad Purnima Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- In the evening, place kheer or milk in the moonlight to be charged by the moon.
- After midnight, consume the moon-charged kheer with family.
- Perform Lakshmi puja; keep the house well-lit and stay awake.
- Sing bhajans and celebrate the full moon; offer prasad.
- In some regions, play dice (Lakshmi's favourite game) as a tradition.
Sharad Purnima Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
oṃ śrīṃ mahālakṣmyai namaḥ
Salutations to Mahalakshmi
Sharad Purnima Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Kheer
- ●Milk
- ●Sweets
- ●Prasad
Sharad Purnima Regional Celebrations across India
North India(शरद पूर्णिमा)
Kheer under moonlight
Bengal(লক্ষ্মী পূজা)
Lakshmi Puja, Kojagari
Sharad Purnima Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Keep kheer in moonlight
- ✓Worship Lakshmi
- ✓Stay awake
- ✓Eat moon-charged kheer
Don'ts
- ✗Do not sleep early
- ✗Avoid wasting food
- ✗Do not disrespect the moon
Sharad Purnima — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Sharad Purnima?
- Sharad Purnima is the full moon of the Sharad (autumn) season.
- When is Sharad Purnima 2026?
- In 2026, Sharad Purnima falls on Monday, October 26, 2026.
- What are the Sharad Purnima puja rituals?
- In the evening, place kheer or milk in the moonlight to be charged by the moon.; After midnight, consume the moon-charged kheer with family.; Perform Lakshmi puja; keep the house well-lit and stay awake.; Sing bhajans and celebrate the full moon; offer prasad.
- What to eat on Sharad Purnima?
- Kheer, Milk, Sweets, Prasad
- What should you do on Sharad Purnima?
- Keep kheer in moonlight; Worship Lakshmi; Stay awake
- What should you avoid on Sharad Purnima?
- Do not sleep early; Avoid wasting food; Do not disrespect the moon
- Which deity is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
- Sharad Purnima is dedicated to Lakshmi.
Upcoming Sharad Purnima Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Sharad Purnima is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | 06:48 pm | — |
| May 31, 2026 | Sunday | 07:31 pm | — |
| Jun 29, 2026 | Monday | 07:11 pm | — |
| Jun 30, 2026 | Tuesday | 07:58 pm | — |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Wednesday | 07:16 pm | — |
| Aug 28, 2026 | Friday | 06:53 pm | — |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Saturday | 05:53 pm | — |
| Oct 26, 2026 | Monday | 05:34 pm | — |
| Oct 26, 2026 | Monday | 05:34 pm | — |
| Nov 24, 2026 | Tuesday | 04:56 pm | — |
| Jan 22, 2027 | Friday | 05:46 pm | — |
| Mar 22, 2027 | Monday | 06:37 pm | — |
| Apr 20, 2027 | Tuesday | 06:26 pm | — |
| May 20, 2027 | Thursday | 07:18 pm | — |
| Jun 18, 2027 | Friday | 07:04 pm | — |