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Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is a highly celebrated and important Hindu festival observed all over India. It takes place on the night of the full moon in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which usually falls in October. As per Indian culture and spirituality, this festival holds importance for it marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the autumn. With the diverse cultures, Sharad Purnima is known by different names in different parts of the country. You may also hear it called Lokkhi Pujo, Raas Purnima, or Sharad Poonam. All of these different styles show how popular the festival is among people and how it is celebrated in different parts of the country. This year, though, Sharad Purnima falls at the same time as the Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse). As per the Hindu traditions it is best to avoid eating and follow certain rituals during the Grahan timings.
Rituals
Saharad Purnima is especially regarded because it aligns with the full moon in all of its 16 kalas, or phases. Lord Krishna, who is typically connected with heavenly attributes, also possessed these 16 kalas; As a result, this day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Krishna, particularly in the form of the enchanting Raas Leela, highlighting the love between Krishna and the gopis.
For many, Sharad Purnima is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Devotees observe fasts and perform rituals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for happiness, financial success, and overall prosperity.
Keeping Kheer
There is a tradition that on the night of Sharad Purnima, people leave Kheer (a sweet rice pudding) in a silver vessel out in the moonlight all night. People do this ritual because it is believed that the moonlight will make the Kheer taste like divine nectar, also known as ambrosia (amrit). Consuming this blessed Kheer the next morning is believed to bring good health and relief from ailments, including skin diseases, cold, cough, and asthma. It is also thought to bestow mental and physical strength. Concerns have been expressed by people who intend to observe the fast and complete the associated rituals on this day because, as indicated, it coincides with the grahan.
Timings
Purnima Tithi on October 28, 2023, starts at 4:17 AM and ends on October 29, 2023, at 01:53 AM. The moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day is expected at 4:53 PM on October 28, 2023.
The lunar eclipse, or Chandra Grahan, is scheduled for October 28, commencing at 1:06 AM during the night of Sharad Purnima. It will conclude at 2:22 AM, and the Sutak period, marked as inauspicious for activities like cooking and eating, will commence 9 hours before the eclipse.
