Sharad Purnima 2026 will be observed on the night of Sunday, 25 October 2026, with the Purnima tithi continuing into the morning of Monday, 26 October. It is the brightest full moon of the Hindu year, when the moon is believed to shine with all sixteen of its kalas and its rays carry healing nectar. Families keep kheer under the moonlight, worship Goddess Lakshmi and stay awake for the Kojagari vigil.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date and Tithi
| Main night (kheer, Kojagari, Lakshmi puja) | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima tithi begins | Around midday, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima tithi ends | Around 9:40 AM, 26 October 2026 |
| Moonrise (Delhi) | Around 5:00–5:15 PM, 25 October |
| Snan & daan (holy bath, charity) | Morning of Monday, 26 October 2026 |
| Also observed | Kojagari Purnima, Kaumudi Purnima, Raas Purnima, Valmiki Jayanti |
Why two dates? Panchangs name a day by the tithi at sunrise, so 26 October is technically “Purnima”. But the rituals of Sharad Purnima 2026 — kheer, moon-gazing and the night vigil — need the full moon at night, which falls on 25 October. Follow your family’s tradition or local temple if unsure.
Why Sharad Purnima Is Special
- Sixteen kalas: it is said to be the only night the moon is complete in all sixteen qualities.
- Birth of Goddess Lakshmi: many traditions hold that Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean on this night and visits homes asking “Ko jagarti?” – “Who is awake?” – blessing those who are.
- Raas Leela: Lord Krishna is believed to have performed the Maha-Raas with the gopis on Sharad Purnima in Vrindavan.
- End of the monsoon: it marks the clear-sky beginning of the Sharad (autumn) season and the harvest.
The Kheer Under the Moonlight Tradition
The best-known Sharad Purnima custom is making rice kheer and leaving it under the open moonlight for several hours. The moon’s rays are believed to fill it with amrit (nectar) that cools the body and boosts health.
- Cook kheer with rice, full-fat milk, sugar or jaggery, cardamom and dry fruits.
- Offer it first to Goddess Lakshmi and the moon.
- Cover it with a thin, clean muslin cloth and place it on a terrace or balcony in direct moonlight.
- Leave it for 2–4 hours (many leave it until after midnight).
- Eat it as prasad the same night or at sunrise, and share with family.
Food-safety tip: in warm places, keep the kheer covered and do not leave dairy out overnight for too long.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Puja Vidhi
- Morning: bathe early, clean the home and keep a fast (many keep a fruit fast until moonrise).
- Evening: set up a chowki with an image of Goddess Lakshmi; light a ghee diya.
- Offerings: flowers, rice, roli, a coconut, sweets and the kheer.
- Chant: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha” or the Shri Suktam.
- At moonrise: offer arghya (water with milk and rice) to the moon.
- Kojagari jagran: stay awake with bhajans, games or storytelling — especially in Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Maharashtra.
- Next morning (26 October): holy bath and charity.
How Sharad Purnima Is Celebrated Across India
- West Bengal, Odisha, Assam: Kojagari Lakshmi Puja at home, with alpana designs and bhog.
- Maharashtra: Kojagiri Purnima, with masala milk shared under the moon.
- Gujarat: garba and dandiya on the full-moon night.
- Vrindavan and Mathura: Raas Purnima celebrations of Krishna’s Raas Leela.
- North India: it is also celebrated as Valmiki Jayanti, honouring the author of the Ramayana.
What Comes Next: Festivals After Sharad Purnima 2026
| Festival | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Karva Chauth | Thursday, 29 October |
| Ahoi Ashtami | 1–2 November (by tradition) |
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8 November |
Read our full Karva Chauth 2026 guide with city-wise moonrise times, and send greetings with our Karva Chauth wishes and Diwali wishes.
Sharad Purnima 2026 FAQ
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
The main night is Sunday, 25 October 2026; the Purnima tithi ends on the morning of 26 October.
Why is kheer kept in moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
It is believed the full moon’s rays carry healing nectar that blesses the kheer, which is then eaten as prasad.
Is Sharad Purnima the same as Kojagari Purnima?
Yes. It is called Kojagari (or Kojagiri) Purnima in Bengal and Maharashtra because of the “Ko jagarti?” legend of Goddess Lakshmi.
Is the October 2026 full moon also the Hunter’s Moon?
Yes. In Western tradition, the same full moon (peaking early on 26 October) is called the Hunter’s Moon.
For background on the festival, see Sharad Purnima on Wikipedia.
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