Sharad Purnima 2026 – Date, Significance, Puja, Traditions & Celebrations

Sharad Purnima, also known as Sharad Poonam, Kojagari Purnima, Kojagara Purnima, Raas Purnima, or Kaumudi Purnima, is an important full moon festival in the Hindu calendar.

Sharad Purnima marks the full moon of the Ashwin month and is associated with the beauty of the autumn full moon, devotion to Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi worship in some regional traditions, fasting, prayers, and the traditional offering of rice kheer under the moonlight.

In 2026, Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The Purnima tithi begins on October 25 and ends on October 26, with exact timings depending on location.

In Gujarat, Sharad Purnima is popularly known as Sharad Poonam.

Sharad Purnima 2026 Date

Sharad Purnima 2026: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Hindu Month: Ashwin
Tithi: Purnima
Also Known As: Sharad Poonam, Kojagari Purnima, Kojagara Purnima, Raas Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima

According to the referenced 2026 Panchang, the Purnima tithi begins at approximately 11:55 AM on October 25 and ends at approximately 9:41 AM on October 26 for the listed Indian locations. Local timings can differ, so devotees should check their city-specific Panchang for religious observances.

What Is Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima is the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin.

The word "Sharad" refers to the autumn season, while "Purnima" means the full moon day.

The festival is especially associated with:

  • The full moon

  • Lord Krishna

  • Maha Raas

  • Goddess Lakshmi in Kojagari traditions

  • Moon worship

  • Fasting and prayer

  • Rice kheer

  • Devotional activities

  • Spiritual reflection

Different regions of India follow different traditions on this day.

Why Is Sharad Purnima Important?

Sharad Purnima has religious and cultural significance in several Hindu traditions.

According to traditional beliefs, the Sharad Purnima moon is associated with special spiritual significance. Some traditions describe the moon as shining with sixteen kalas, representing completeness.

Lord Krishna is traditionally described in Vaishnava traditions as possessing the complete sixteen kalas.

The full moon therefore becomes an important symbol of completeness, divine beauty, devotion, and spiritual awareness.

Sharad Purnima and Lord Krishna

Sharad Purnima has a particularly strong connection with Lord Krishna.

In the Braj region, the festival is also known as Raas Purnima. According to Krishna devotional traditions, Lord Krishna performed the Maha Raas with the Gopis of Vrindavan on the night of Sharad Purnima.

The Raas is understood as a devotional expression of divine love and complete surrender to God.

For devotees of Krishna, Sharad Purnima can therefore be a special occasion for:

  • Krishna Puja

  • Bhajan and Kirtan

  • Reading Krishna-related scriptures

  • Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra

  • Visiting Krishna temples

  • Listening to devotional stories

  • Remembering the teachings and life of Lord Krishna

The Maha Raas tradition is particularly prominent in Vrindavan and the Braj region.

Sharad Purnima and Goddess Lakshmi

In several eastern Indian traditions, the Ashwin full moon is observed as Kojagari or Kojagara Purnima, with special worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

The word "Kojagara" is associated with the question "Who is awake?" Traditional observances include staying awake during the night and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.

Kojagara Puja is particularly important in regions such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.

This is one reason Sharad Purnima can have different names and customs in different parts of India.

Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima

Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima generally refer to the same Ashwin full moon observance, but the religious emphasis differs by region.

Sharad Purnima

In many parts of India, the festival is associated with:

  • Lord Krishna

  • Maha Raas

  • Moon worship

  • Rice kheer

  • Full moon traditions

Kojagari Purnima

In parts of eastern India, the festival is especially associated with:

  • Goddess Lakshmi

  • Lakshmi Puja

  • Night vigil

  • Prosperity and abundance

  • Kojagari Vrat

Thus, the same full moon can be observed through different regional traditions.

Sharad Purnima and Moonlight

The full moon is one of the most important symbols of Sharad Purnima.

Traditional Hindu beliefs attach special significance to the moonlight on this night. Devotees may spend time outdoors, offer prayers to Chandra Dev, and participate in moonlight-related traditions.

Some traditional accounts describe the moon's rays as carrying nectar-like qualities.

These are religious and traditional beliefs, rather than established scientific claims.

Sharad Purnima Kheer Tradition

One of the most famous Sharad Purnima traditions is preparing rice kheer and placing it under the moonlight.

The kheer is traditionally prepared using ingredients such as:

  • Milk

  • Rice

  • Sugar

  • Cardamom

  • Dry fruits

  • Saffron, according to family tradition

The prepared kheer may be kept in a clean, covered or protected container in the moonlight according to family practice.

The following morning, it may be offered as Prasad and shared with family members.

Traditional beliefs associate this practice with receiving the blessings of the full moon.

Is Moonlight Kheer Scientifically Proven?

The practice of keeping kheer under moonlight is a traditional religious custom.

Traditional Hindu beliefs describe the moonlight on Sharad Purnima as special, but claims about specific healing or medicinal effects of moonlight on food should not be presented as scientifically established facts.

For food safety, kheer should be protected from insects, dust, contamination, and unsuitable temperatures.

Sharad Purnima Puja

There is no single Puja procedure followed by every Hindu family.

The method can vary according to regional traditions, family customs, and the deity being worshipped.

A simple Sharad Purnima observance may include:

  1. Clean the home and Puja area.

  2. Take a bath and wear clean clothes.

  3. Set up the Puja area.

  4. Light a diya.

  5. Worship Lord Krishna or Chandra Dev according to family tradition.

  6. Offer flowers, fruits, and other traditional offerings.

  7. Prepare rice kheer.

  8. Recite prayers or mantras.

  9. Perform Aarti.

  10. Offer Prasad.

  11. Spend time in devotional activities.

  12. Practice charity or help someone in need.

Families following a particular temple or religious tradition should follow the guidance of their Guru, priest, or local Panchang.

Sharad Purnima Vrat

Some devotees observe a Sharad Purnima Vrat or fasting tradition.

Fasting practices differ considerably between communities.

Depending on the tradition, devotees may:

  • Observe a full fast

  • Consume fruits

  • Have milk

  • Eat permitted fasting foods

  • Take a single meal

  • Observe the fast until a specified time

People should follow their family or religious tradition rather than assuming that one fasting method applies to everyone.

Sharad Purnima and Chandra Dev

The Moon God, Chandra Dev, has an important place in Hindu tradition.

The full moon of Sharad Purnima is considered particularly significant, and some devotees offer prayers to Chandra Dev.

The full moon can also be viewed as a symbol of:

  • Purity

  • Calmness

  • Completeness

  • Peace

  • Spiritual illumination

Devotees may spend the evening in prayer and meditation while appreciating the full moon.

Sharad Purnima in Gujarat

Sharad Purnima is popularly known as Sharad Poonam in Gujarat.

The festival has a strong cultural presence in Gujarati communities.

Gujarati families may celebrate Sharad Poonam with:

  • Traditional prayers

  • Moonlight celebrations

  • Milk and kheer

  • Devotional activities

  • Family gatherings

  • Temple visits

  • Garba or cultural programs in some communities

The exact celebration varies between families and communities.

Because Navratri and Sharad Purnima occur relatively close together in the Hindu calendar, Sharad Poonam is also part of an important festive period for many Gujarati families.

Sharad Purnima in India

Sharad Purnima is observed across India, but the customs vary by region.

Gujarat

Known widely as Sharad Poonam, with strong cultural and devotional traditions.

Uttar Pradesh and Braj

The festival has a strong connection with Lord Krishna, Vrindavan, and Maha Raas.

West Bengal

The full moon is widely associated with Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.

Odisha

Kojagari Purnima and Lakshmi worship are important regional traditions.

Assam

Kojagari traditions and Goddess Lakshmi worship are also observed.

These regional differences show the diversity of Hindu festivals and traditions.

Sharad Purnima in Vrindavan

Vrindavan has a special connection with Lord Krishna and the Maha Raas tradition.

During the Sharad Purnima period, devotees may visit Krishna temples, participate in devotional programs, listen to Krishna stories, and sing bhajans.

The festival is especially meaningful for Vaishnava devotees who associate the night with the divine love of Krishna and the Gopis.

Sharad Purnima in the USA

Hindu communities in the United States may observe Sharad Purnima through temples, cultural organizations, and family celebrations.

Depending on the local community, activities may include:

  • Krishna Puja

  • Chandra Puja

  • Bhajan and Kirtan

  • Bhagavad Gita reading

  • Religious discourses

  • Aarti

  • Prasad distribution

  • Kheer preparation

  • Cultural programs

  • Community gatherings

The date and timing of religious activities in the USA can differ from India because Hindu festivals are calculated using the local lunar and solar conditions.

For temple events, families should check their local temple's schedule.

How to Celebrate Sharad Purnima at Home

A simple home celebration can be meaningful without being complicated.

Morning

  • Clean the home.

  • Take a bath.

  • Wear clean clothes.

  • Prepare the Puja area.

  • Observe fasting if part of your tradition.

  • Prepare offerings.

Evening

  • Light diyas.

  • Worship Lord Krishna, Chandra Dev, or Goddess Lakshmi according to your regional tradition.

  • Offer flowers and fruits.

  • Perform Aarti.

  • Recite prayers or mantras.

  • Prepare rice kheer.

Night

  • Place the prepared kheer in a safe and hygienic place where it can be part of the traditional moonlight observance.

  • Spend time in prayer or devotional activities.

  • Look at the full moon and remember the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Next Morning

  • Offer the kheer as Prasad.

  • Share it with family members.

  • Donate food or help someone in need.

Sharad Purnima and Devotion

Sharad Purnima is not only a celebration of the full moon.

For devotees, it can be a time to strengthen their spiritual connection with God.

People may use the occasion to:

  • Pray

  • Meditate

  • Read scriptures

  • Chant mantras

  • Sing bhajans

  • Visit temples

  • Practice gratitude

  • Help others

The festival provides an opportunity to combine religious traditions with personal spiritual reflection.

Sharad Purnima for Children

Parents can introduce children to Sharad Purnima by explaining:

  • What Purnima means

  • Why the full moon is important

  • The connection with Lord Krishna

  • The story of Maha Raas

  • Why kheer is traditionally prepared

  • What Kojagari Purnima means

  • How different regions celebrate the same festival differently

Children can also participate in:

  • Making diyas

  • Preparing simple decorations

  • Drawing the full moon

  • Learning Krishna bhajans

  • Helping prepare Prasad

  • Listening to devotional stories

Sharad Purnima and Charity

Charity is an important value in Hindu religious life.

On Sharad Purnima, families can make the occasion more meaningful by:

  • Donating food

  • Feeding people in need

  • Helping elderly people

  • Supporting a temple

  • Donating educational supplies

  • Supporting charitable organizations

  • Sharing Prasad with others

The festival can therefore become an opportunity to practice seva and compassion.

Eco-Friendly Sharad Purnima Celebration

Families can celebrate Sharad Purnima in an environmentally responsible way.

Some simple ideas include:

  • Use reusable decorations.

  • Avoid unnecessary plastic.

  • Use traditional diyas responsibly.

  • Avoid littering in public or temple areas.

  • Keep food covered and hygienic.

  • Dispose of Puja materials properly.

  • Avoid polluting rivers or lakes with religious offerings.

Respecting nature can be an important part of a thoughtful festival celebration.

Sharad Purnima 2026 and Diwali 2026

Sharad Purnima takes place before Diwali in 2026.

The major dates are:

Festival Date in 2026
Sharad Purnima Sunday, October 25
Diwali Sunday, November 8
Govardhan Puja Monday, November 9
Bhai Dooj Wednesday, November 11
Dev Diwali Tuesday, November 24

The exact observance of Hindu festivals can vary according to location and regional Panchang calculations. Sharad Purnima is listed on October 25, while Diwali falls on November 8 in the referenced calendars.

Sharad Purnima vs Diwali

Sharad Purnima and Diwali are two different Hindu festivals.

Sharad Purnima is the full moon of Ashwin and is associated with the autumn full moon, Krishna's Maha Raas, moon worship, kheer, and regional Kojagari traditions.

Diwali is primarily associated with the new moon period of Kartik and includes traditions such as Lakshmi Puja, diyas, family celebrations, and the Festival of Lights.

They occur within the same broader festive season but have different religious significance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sharad Purnima 2026

When is Sharad Purnima 2026?

Sharad Purnima will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

What is Sharad Purnima also called?

It is also known as Sharad Poonam, Kojagari Purnima, Kojagara Purnima, Raas Purnima, and Kaumudi Purnima, depending on regional tradition.

What is the significance of Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima is associated with the full autumn moon, Lord Krishna's Maha Raas, moon worship, devotional practices, and regional Lakshmi worship traditions.

Why is kheer prepared on Sharad Purnima?

Rice kheer is traditionally prepared and placed in the moonlight as part of a long-standing Sharad Purnima custom. It is later consumed and shared as Prasad.

Is Sharad Purnima related to Lord Krishna?

Yes. In Braj and Vaishnava traditions, Sharad Purnima is associated with Lord Krishna's Maha Raas.

Is Sharad Purnima the same as Kojagari Purnima?

The names can refer to the same Ashwin full moon, but regional traditions differ. In eastern India, the occasion is particularly associated with Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.

Is Sharad Purnima celebrated in Gujarat?

Yes. In Gujarat, it is popularly known as Sharad Poonam and is observed through various religious and cultural traditions.

Can Sharad Purnima be celebrated in the USA?

Yes. Hindu families and communities in the USA can observe Sharad Purnima through home Puja, temple programs, Krishna devotion, Chandra worship, kheer, bhajans, and community activities.

Which God is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?

The deity worshipped varies by regional tradition. Lord Krishna and Chandra Dev are associated with Sharad Purnima, while Goddess Lakshmi is especially worshipped during Kojagari traditions.

Conclusion

Sharad Purnima 2026 will be observed on Sunday, October 25, 2026. It is an important Hindu full moon festival associated with the autumn season, Lord Krishna, Maha Raas, Chandra Dev, traditional kheer offerings, and regional Kojagari Lakshmi worship.

In Gujarat, the festival is popularly known as Sharad Poonam, while in the Braj region it has a strong connection with Krishna's Maha Raas. In parts of eastern India, the same Ashwin full moon is celebrated as Kojagari Purnima with Goddess Lakshmi worship.

For Hindu families in India and the USA, Sharad Purnima can be an opportunity to celebrate devotion, family traditions, gratitude, spirituality, and the beauty of the full moon.