Sharad Purnima 2026: Is It October 25 Or 26? Know Exact Tithi, Moonrise Timing, Puja Muhurat And Rituals

Sharad Purnima holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. Sharad Purnima is the only day of the year when the moon is in all sixteen phases, and its rays have healing properties which nourish the body and the soul.

In many regions, Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagara Purnima or Raas Purnima. On this day, many families worship the Moon God and Goddess Lakshmi.

This time, many people are confused about whether they should observe Sharad Purnima on October 25th or 26th. According to the calendar, the Sharad Purnima fast will be observed on 25th October. Bathing, charity, and other religious activities should be performed on 26th October.

Let us find out the exact timings, tithi, puja vidhi, and the reason behind this confusion.

Sharad Purnima 2026: Dates And Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Sharad Purnima falls on the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin. This year, it is on 25th October, 2026. The auspicious timings are:

Note: These are Delhi-based timings. Check your local panchang to know exact moonrise times, as they vary by region.

Why Is There Confusion About The Dates Of Sharad Purnima?

The debate between October 25 and October 26 is because of Hindu Panchang principles:

1. Unlike fasts that are kept based on sunrise timings, Sharad Purnima rituals depend on moonrise time, during which the moon is worshipped, and rice kheer is placed under direct moonlight.

2. The Purnima Tithi begins early morning on October 25 and ends before dawn on October 26. Because the full moon will be visible on the evening/night of October 25, all major rituals must be observed on October 25. Religious activities like bathing and charity should be done on 26th October.

Significance Of Sharad Purnima (Kojagari Purnima)

Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the start of autumn. Vedic tradition holds two major spiritual beliefs regarding this night:

• On Sharad Purnima, the moon shines with all 16 Kalas, and is believed that its rays have healing properties that drip nectar.
• In many regions, particularly Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Sharad Purnima is celebrated as Kojagari Purnima. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi wanders the earth and those who are awake are bestowed with wealth and prosperity.
• In the Braj region, it is believed that on the day of Sharad Purnima, Lord Krishna performed Maha-Raas with the Gopis of Vrindavan.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

To gain maximum spiritual and physical benefits of this full moon night, follow these steps:

1. Devotees should take a holy bath early in the morning on October 25. Take a Sankalp before beginning the fast.
2. Clean the puja space and place idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. These are the deities that are traditionally worshipped on Sharad Purnima.
3. Then, at moonrise, devotees should offer Arghya (water mixed with raw milk, white flowers, and akshat) to the Chandra God.
4. Recite the Chandra mantra 'Om Shram Shreem Shrom Sah Chandramase Namah' while doing the ritual.
5. Then light a ghee diya facing East or North and offer kheer, lotus flowers, batasha, and kumkum to Goddess Lakshmi during the Nishita Kaal Muhurat.

When Should Kheer Be Kept On Sharad Purnima?

Traditionally, on Sharad Purnima, rice kheer made with cow's milk, rice and sugar is prepared and left in moonlight, as it is believed that this night possesses a special energy. Thus, keeping kheer in the moonlight imparts the same energy.

This year, the kheer can be placed in the moonlight after moonrise on the night of October 25th. After placing the kheer for the whole night, it should be consumed as sacred prasad the next day. It is believed to cure ailments and boost immunity.

On Sharad Purnima, rice kheer made with cow's milk, rice and sugar is prepared and left in the moonlight (Image: Pexels)

Sharad Purnima is celebrated in many different ways. For some, it is a night of worshipping the Moon God; for others, it is the best night to seek Goddess Lakshmi blessings.

FAQs

1. Can we eat non-vegetarian food on Sharad Purnima?

No. Those observing the fast should eat strictly sattvik vegetarian food (without onion and garlic) or the divine kheer.

2. What time should Kheer be kept under the moon on Sharad Purnima 2026?

Keep the kheer outside right after moonrise (after 06:00 PM on October 25) and let it absorb the moonlight until at least midnight, or overnight until dawn.