Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagiri Purnima or Raasa Purnima, is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the full moon night of the Ashwin month. It is believed to be the only night when the moon shines with all sixteen kalas, making its rays spiritually nourishing and beneficial for health. Devotees observe prayers, fasting, and night-long worship to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
Spiritual Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and divine grace. According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to roam the Earth on this night, blessing those who stay awake and remain devoted. The moonlight is considered sacred, representing purity, healing, and spiritual illumination.
Rituals and Observances of Sharad Purnima
Kheer Offering Under Moonlight
Rice kheer prepared with milk and sugar is kept under the open sky to absorb moonlight and later consumed as sacred prasad.
Lakshmi Puja
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi by lighting lamps, offering flowers, and reciting prayers to invite prosperity and well-being.
Moonlight Worship and Night Vigil
Families stay awake through the night, chant devotional songs, and meditate under the full moon.
Rasa Lila Performances
In Krishna-centric regions, dramatic enactments of Lord Krishna’s Raasa Lila with the Gopis are performed.
Sharad Purnima Celebrations Across India
Sharad Purnima is celebrated across India with diverse traditions, combining devotion, cultural expression, and spiritual reflection.
Where and How Sharad Purnima Is Celebrated
Sharad Purnima in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
At Krishna temples in Mathura and Vrindavan, Sharad Purnima is marked by grand Raasa Lila performances and night-long bhajans.
Sharad Purnima in West Bengal
In West Bengal, the festival coincides with Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja, where devotees pray for wealth and family prosperity.
Sharad Purnima in Odisha
In Odisha, Sharad Purnima marks the beginning of Kartik month celebrations, with special temple rituals and fasting.
Sharad Purnima in Gujarat and Rajasthan
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, night-long Garba and Dandiya dances are performed under the full moon, blending devotion with cultural celebration.
Sharad Purnima in Maharashtra
Maharashtra observes Kojagiri Purnima with moonlit kheer rituals and Lakshmi worship in homes.
Cultural and Religious Importance
Sharad Purnima highlights the harmony between nature, devotion, and culture. The festival promotes gratitude, patience, and spiritual awareness while reinforcing community bonding.
Explore Related Festivals
You may also explore other spiritually significant festivals such as Dhanteras and Naraka Chaturdashi, which share deep cultural connections with Sharad Purnima.