Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima, the full moon of Ashwin, is one of the most beautiful Purnima observances of the Hindu calendar. Also known in different regions as Kojagari, Kojagiri, Kaumudi or Kumar Purnima, it is associated with full-moon worship, Goddess Lakshmi, night vigil, devotion and the traditional preparation of milk or Kheer.
What is Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is observed on the full moon Tithi of the Hindu month of Ashwin. It marks the arrival of Sharad Ritu, the autumn season, and is celebrated in different ways across India. In several traditions, the night is connected with Goddess Lakshmi, moon worship, devotional vigil and offerings made under the full moon.
The same full-moon observance is known by different names and has different regional customs. It is called Kojagari or Kojagiri Purnima in several eastern and western Indian traditions, while other regions associate the night with Kumar Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima or Raas Purnima. citeturn0search3turn0search12
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date
For 2026, the Ashwin Purnima Tithi begins on 25 October 2026 at approximately 11:55 AM and ends on 26 October 2026 at approximately 9:41 AM in the cited Indian Panchang calculations. Kojagara Puja is observed on the night of October 25 in these calculations. Exact observance can depend on city and tradition, so local Panchang timings should be checked before performing a Muhurat- specific Puja. citeturn0search1turn0search2
For example, the Delhi Panchang reference lists Kojagara Puja Nishita time from approximately 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM crossing into October 26. This is a location-specific timing, not a universal Muhurat. citeturn0search2
Why is Sharad Purnima Important?
Goddess Lakshmi
Many traditions associate the night with Lakshmi worship and prayers for prosperity and abundance.
Full Moon
The bright Sharad Purnima moon is central to the night's devotional and cultural traditions.
Night Vigil
Kojagari traditions include Jagarana, symbolising wakefulness and devotion through the night.
The name Kojagara is associated with the question “Who is awake?” and with the traditional belief that Goddess Lakshmi blesses those who remain awake and devoted during the night. The Kojagara observance is especially prominent in regions such as West Bengal, Odisha and Assam. citeturn0search0turn0search3
Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi
Morning Preparation
Begin the day with a clean bath and maintain a peaceful, devotional mindset.
Clean the Puja Space
Clean the home and prepare a suitable altar for Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu or the deity worshipped according to your tradition.
Light a Diya
Light a ghee or oil lamp and create a calm sacred atmosphere for evening worship.
Lakshmi Puja
Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense and other suitable offerings while praying for prosperity and spiritual wellbeing.
Moon Worship
After moonrise, offer respectful prayers to Chandra according to your family or regional custom.
Kheer Offering
Prepare milk-based Kheer or another traditional offering and place it outdoors or in moonlight according to local practice.
Jagarana
Where the tradition is followed, remain awake at night through prayer, Bhajan, Mantra Japa or devotional reading.
Prasada
After the observance, distribute the offering respectfully among family members and devotees.
Sharad Purnima Kheer Tradition
One of the most widely recognised Sharad Purnima customs is preparing milk or Kheer and placing it under the open sky or moonlight. In regional traditions this offering is later taken as Prasada. The practice is especially associated with the belief in the auspicious and cooling quality of the Sharad full-moon night.
The exact preparation, timing and method differ by region and family. Some traditions use rice and milk Kheer, while others prepare flavoured milk or other seasonal offerings. Maharashtra Tourism also describes milk, fruits, sweets and other offerings as part of Kojagiri Purnima celebrations. citeturn0search3turn0search8
Sharad Purnima Mantra
Devotees may recite a Lakshmi Mantra during Lakshmi Puja or while performing Jagarana. The mantra should be recited with devotion and a focused mind.
Sharad Purnima Vrat & Fasting
Some devotees observe a Purnima fast on Sharad Purnima. Fasting practices vary considerably by region, family and spiritual tradition. A person may choose a full fast, fruit-based observance or a simple sattvic diet according to their customary practice and ability.
Prayer
Spend time in Lakshmi, Vishnu, Chandra or family-deity worship according to tradition.
Charity
Offer food, clothing, money or other suitable Seva to people in need.
Devotional Reading
Read suitable scriptures, Stotra, Lakshmi prayers or devotional literature.
Sharad Purnima Across India
Sharad Purnima is celebrated under different names and with different customs across India. In Bengal, Odisha and Assam, Kojagari or Kojagara Lakshmi worship and night vigil are prominent. Maharashtra celebrates Kojagiri Purnima with Lakshmi devotion, moonlit gatherings and milk-based offerings. Other traditions connect the full moon with Kumar Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima, harvest customs or Krishna devotion. citeturn0search0turn0search3turn0search12
Sharad Purnima and Krishna
In the Braj tradition, the Sharad full moon is also associated with Krishna's divine Raas Leela. This gives the night a distinct devotional dimension centred on Bhakti, divine love and remembrance of Shri Krishna. The form and emphasis of observance varies according to regional Vaishnava tradition.
Astroshastra Festival & Spiritual Resources
Celebrate Sharad Purnima with Devotion
Welcome the sacred full moon with prayer, gratitude, Lakshmi worship, devotional remembrance and the timeless spirit of Sharad Purnima.
Explore More Astroshastra Articles →Sharad Purnima FAQs
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
Sharad Purnima is associated with the Ashwin Purnima. For the 2026 Kojagara observance, the relevant full-moon night is October 25, while the Purnima Tithi continues into October 26. Local Panchang timings should be checked for the exact observance.
Is Sharad Purnima the same as Kojagari Purnima?
They refer to the same Ashwin full-moon observance in many traditions, although Kojagari or Kojagara specifically emphasises Lakshmi worship and night vigil in several regions.
Why is Kheer kept under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
Keeping Kheer or milk under the moonlight is a traditional custom associated with the Sharad Purnima night. The offering is later consumed as Prasada according to family and regional practice.
Which Goddess is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
Goddess Lakshmi is especially worshipped in Kojagari traditions, while some regions and families also worship other deities according to their local customs.
Should we stay awake on Sharad Purnima?
Night vigil or Jagarana is an important part of Kojagari traditions, but it is not a universal requirement for every Sharad Purnima observance.
Can Sharad Purnima Puja be performed at home?
Yes. A simple home observance can include cleaning the Puja space, lighting a lamp, Lakshmi or family-deity worship, offerings, Mantra Japa, moon prayers and devotional reading.