Sharad Purnima 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi, Significance and Traditions

When Is Sharad Purnima in 2026?

Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on Sunday, 25 October. It is associated with Purnima, the full-moon tithi during the bright fortnight of Ashwin in the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees observe the occasion through prayer, traditional offerings, family gatherings and regional customs.

The published tithi reference used here gives a start time of 11:55 AM IST on 25 October and an end time of 9:41 AM IST on 26 October. These times describe the tithi boundaries, not a universal puja muhurat.

A Hindu tithi does not always begin at sunrise or end at midnight. It can span two Gregorian dates. The festival's observance date depends on the relevant calendar rules and the ritual being performed, which is why local Panchangs are important.

If you are planning Lakshmi Puja or another night-time ceremony, check the recommended time for your own city. Do not use a muhurat calculated for a different location without checking whether it applies to you.

What Is Sharad Purnima?

Sharad Purnima is a Hindu full-moon observance associated with the Sharad, or autumn, season. The word “Purnima” refers to the full-moon day in the lunar calendar, while “Ashwin” identifies the lunar month in which the festival takes place.

The occasion is known for several traditions rather than one ritual followed by every household. Some devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and pray for prosperity. Others focus on Lord Krishna and devotional accounts of the Maha Raas. Many families prepare kheer or milk-based offerings and spend the evening in prayer.

The festival is also called Kojagari or Kojagiri Purnima in some communities. Names and customs vary across India, reflecting the different religious traditions through which the full moon is observed.

Religious and Cultural Significance of Sharad Purnima

The full moon and devotion

The full moon is central to Sharad Purnima's symbolism. In Hindu cultural traditions, the autumn moonlit night is associated with beauty, calmness and devotion. Some families offer prayers to Chandra, the Moon deity, while others mark the occasion through family worship or a temple visit.

Traditional beliefs about the special qualities of the moonlight are part of the festival's religious meaning. They should not be confused with scientific evidence that moonlight has medicinal effects.

Goddess Lakshmi and prosperity

Goddess Lakshmi is central to Kojagara Puja. Devotees may offer flowers, lamps, sweets and other customary offerings while praying for prosperity and well-being. In some traditions, worship continues late into the night.

Lord Krishna and the Maha Raas

Sharad Purnima is connected in Vaishnava devotional traditions with accounts of Lord Krishna's Maha Raas with the gopis of Vrindavan. These narratives are understood as expressions of divine love and devotion. Their interpretation depends on the religious tradition through which they are taught.

These different associations explain why families may emphasise different aspects of the festival. Lakshmi worship, Krishna devotion, traditional food offerings and community gatherings can all be part of the occasion.

Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi: Traditional Worship at Home

The exact puja sequence differs by family, region and religious tradition. The following steps describe common preparations and are intended as a general guide rather than mandatory instructions.

1. Prepare the worship area. Clean the space where you intend to pray. Arrange a clean cloth, a diya and an image or murti of the deity worshipped in your family tradition.
2. Gather puja items. Depending on your custom, you may use flowers, water, incense, fruits, sweets and other traditional offerings. Elaborate arrangements are not necessary for every household observance.
3. Begin with prayer. Sit comfortably and offer prayers according to your family or temple tradition. Some devotees recite a familiar prayer or devotional text.
4. Worship according to your tradition. Goddess Lakshmi is important in Kojagara observances. Other families may focus on Lord Krishna, Chandra or another customary devotional practice.
5. Prepare and offer prasad. Kheer, milk, fruit or other customary foods may be offered according to family practice.
6. Observe a vrat if appropriate. Some devotees fast as part of their observance. Fasting is not suitable for everyone, and health should take priority.
7. Complete the worship respectfully. Offer a final prayer or aarti if customary, distribute prasad where appropriate and leave the worship area clean.

If your family follows a specific regional puja vidhi, use its customary instructions and a location-specific Panchang for the appropriate timing.

Sharad Purnima Vrat and Vrat Katha

A vrat is a religious observance that may include prayer, self-discipline and particular dietary practices. Some devotees observe a Sharad Purnima vrat, while others participate through worship without fasting. The form of observance depends on family and community tradition.

The term “Sharad Purnima vrat katha” refers to devotional storytelling associated with the observance. Different Purnima and Kojagara traditions may preserve different stories. If you wish to recite a particular katha, choose a version recognised by your own religious tradition.

Fasting should not put health at risk. People with medical conditions, those taking medicines that require food, pregnant people and children should follow suitable health guidance rather than undertake restrictive fasting without appropriate advice.

Why Is Kheer Prepared on Sharad Purnima?

Kheer is a traditional milk-based sweet prepared in many households for Sharad Purnima. It commonly contains milk, rice and a sweetener, with ingredients such as cardamom or nuts added according to preference. Some families prepare it as prasad for the occasion.

A well-known custom involves placing kheer or milk outdoors under the night sky. Within the religious tradition, the moonlight is considered special on this full-moon night. The custom has cultural and devotional meaning, but it does not establish that moonlight gives food medicinal properties.

Food safety matters when following this tradition. Dairy foods should not be left at unsafe temperatures for extended periods. Use clean, covered containers, protect food from insects and dust, and refrigerate perishable food promptly. Do not serve food that may have spoiled.

Recipes and serving customs differ between households. Some communities share milk-based offerings after prayers, while others prepare a different traditional food for the occasion.

Sharad Purnima and Kojagara Puja

Kojagara Puja, also written as Kojagari or Kojagiri Puja, is closely associated with the Ashwin full moon. It is especially important in Bengali Lakshmi worship and is observed in other communities as well.

The name “Kojagara” is traditionally linked to the Sanskrit question “Ko jagarti?”, commonly translated as “Who is awake?” In some traditions, devotees remain awake during the night while worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. The vigil reflects a religious belief associated with prosperity and devotion.

Bengali observances may include alpana designs, lamps, flowers, food offerings and the recitation of devotional texts such as Lakshmi Panchali. The precise arrangements differ by household and community.

Sharad Purnima and Kojagara Puja are closely connected in many calendars, but their names and customs are not used identically throughout India. Diwali Lakshmi Puja is a separate observance later in the Hindu calendar.

Sharad Purnima Traditions Across India

Maharashtra: Kojagiri Purnima

In Maharashtra, the occasion is widely known as Kojagiri Purnima. Families and community groups may gather in the evening and share milk or other refreshments. Some households combine the gathering with prayer and customary offerings.

Gujarat: Sharad Punam

In Gujarat, the full moon is also known as Sharad Punam or Aso Sud Punam in relevant calendar traditions. Devotional gatherings and traditional offerings are observed by some communities. Practices vary between families and religious groups.

West Bengal: Kojagari Lakshmi Puja

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is a prominent observance in West Bengal. Homes may be decorated with alpana designs, lamps and traditional offerings. Families may worship Goddess Lakshmi and recite devotional texts as part of the night observance.

Other regional traditions

Related full-moon observances are found in other parts of eastern and central India. Ritual details can differ even within a state, so a regional calendar or local temple is the best guide to a particular community's practice.

These differences are part of India's varied festival traditions. A household prayer, a community gathering or a temple ceremony can each be a meaningful way to mark the occasion.

How to Celebrate Sharad Purnima at Home

You can mark Sharad Purnima in a way that fits your household and beliefs. Consider these optional ideas:

• Check the local Panchang if the precise tithi or puja time matters to you.
• Arrange a clean worship area if prayer is part of your observance.
• Prepare kheer, milk or another customary offering.
• Read a devotional story or learn about the festival's regional history.
• Join a temple or community programme if one is available nearby.
• Share the meaning of the festival with family members.
• Enjoy the evening outdoors if the weather and surroundings are comfortable and safe.

You do not need to follow every regional custom. Choose practices that are meaningful to your family, and check important ritual details with a reliable local source.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sharad Purnima 2026

Related Festivals and Further Reading

Continue exploring the Hindu festival calendar and upcoming celebrations on TodayFestival.com.

• Hindu Festivals 2026 — explore festival dates and observances throughout the year.