When the full moon lights up the October sky, there’s one night in the Hindu calendar that stands out as truly divine — Sharad Purnima. It’s not just any full moon; it’s believed to be the night when the moon showers nectar (Amrit) on Earth, filling lives with prosperity, peace, and healing.
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima in some regions and marks the harvest festival of abundance and gratitude. It celebrates devotion, health, and divine energy — all under the silver glow of the moon.
Let’s explore when Sharad Purnima falls in 2025, its spiritual significance, fasting rituals, and what makes this night so unique.
When is Sharad Purnima 2025?
In 2025, Sharad Purnima will be observed on Monday, October 6th.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon Day) of the Ashwin month, marking one of the brightest and most spiritually significant nights of the year.
Here are the detailed timings for reference:
- Purnima Tithi Begins: October 6, 2025, at 12:23 PM (afternoon)
- Purnima Tithi Ends: October 7, 2025, at 09:16 AM (morning)
Since the main rituals, including offering kheer to the moon and staying awake for the Kojagara Puja, are performed on the night of the full moon, devotees will celebrate the festival on the night of October 6th, 2025.
This night holds special importance as it’s believed that the moon shines at its fullest brilliance, blessing devotees with prosperity, good health, and spiritual peace.m, and completeness.
Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is one of the most spiritually powerful nights in Hinduism. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, descends to Earth to bless her devotees who stay awake and worship her throughout the night.
The festival also celebrates the beauty of nature and the changing seasons — marking the end of monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season.
Spiritually, it’s a reminder that just as the moon attains its full glory on this night, humans too can achieve inner completeness through devotion and purity.
Also Read: Purnima Fasting Rules: A Complete Guide to Fasting on Full Moon Days
Mythological Legends of Sharad Purnima
1. Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela
One of the most enchanting stories linked to Sharad Purnima is Krishna’s Raas Leela. It’s believed that on this full-moon night, Lord Krishna played his divine flute, and the Gopis of Vrindavan were drawn to dance with him. The moonlit dance symbolized pure devotion and love — where the divine and the devotee became one.
2. Goddess Lakshmi’s Earthly Visit
Another legend says that Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth on Sharad Purnima, blessing those who are awake, chanting, or meditating. This is why many devotees stay up all night, keeping their homes bright with diyas, in hopes that the goddess will visit and bring prosperity.
3. Moon God’s Blessing
In Vedic texts, the Moon (Chandra Dev) represents calmness and emotional stability. Worshipping the moon on Sharad Purnima is said to help in overcoming stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance.
What to Do on Sharad Purnima 2025?
Sharad Purnima 2025, falling on Monday, October 6th, is one of the most spiritually vibrant nights in the Hindu calendar. It’s believed that on this night, the moon showers divine nectar (Amrit) on Earth — bringing peace, prosperity, and good health. Devotees perform special rituals, fast, and stay awake through the night to receive these blessings.
Here’s a detailed guide on what to do on Sharad Purnima 2025 👇
1. Perform Lakshmi Puja at Night
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagara Lakshmi Puja, meaning “the night of awakening”.
- Clean and decorate your home with rangoli and diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Offer white flowers, sweets, milk, and rice kheer to the Goddess.
- Chant “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” or recite the Lakshmi Chalisa for prosperity.
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are well-lit and filled with devotion on this night.
2. Observe Sharad Purnima Fast (Vrat)
- Many devotees keep a Sharad Purnima Vrat to seek wealth, health, and happiness.
- You may observe a Nirjala fast (without water) or a light fast with milk and fruits.
- Avoid grains, salt, and fried food.
- Break the fast after the moonrise by offering kheer or milk to the Moon God (Chandra Dev) and then eating it as prasad.
This fasting ritual helps in spiritual cleansing and attracting divine blessings.
3. Offer Kheer to the Moon
This is the most popular ritual of Sharad Purnima.
- Prepare rice kheer (sweet pudding) using milk and sugar.
- Once the moon rises, place the kheer in an open space under the moonlight overnight.
- The moon’s rays are believed to infuse it with Amrit Tatva (healing nectar).
- The next morning, eat this Amrit Kheer as prasad and share it with your family and neighbors.
According to Ayurveda, consuming this moon-charged kheer cools the body, calms the mind, and enhances emotional balance.
4. Stay Awake and Do Night Vigil (Jagran)
- The night of Sharad Purnima is called “Kojagari”, meaning “Who is awake?”
- It’s said that Goddess Lakshmi blesses those who stay awake in devotion and gratitude.
- You can sing bhajans, meditate, or listen to spiritual music under the moonlight.
- Couples also pray together for harmony, while families celebrate by gathering for late-night prayers and storytelling.
5. Charity and Kindness
Doing daan (charity) on Sharad Purnima is highly auspicious.
- Donate white clothes, milk, rice, sweets, or money to the needy.
- Feeding cows and offering water to the poor are also believed to bring Lakshmi’s grace and peace of mind.
6. Moon Meditation and Gratitude Practice
On this serene full-moon night, take a few moments to:
- Sit under the moonlight and practice deep breathing.
- Focus on gratitude — for your health, family, and everything you’ve received.
- Imagine the moonlight filling your mind and heart with peace and positivity.
This simple spiritual act helps balance emotions and invites calmness into your life.
Fast Rules for Sharad Purnima
Devotees observe Sharad Purnima Vrat (fast) to seek health, wealth, and happiness.
Here are the common fasting rules:
- Type of Fast: You can keep a Nirjala fast (without water) or a light fast with milk and fruits.
- Avoid: Grains, salt, and spicy or oily food.
- Prayers: Chant the Lakshmi Chalisa, Vishnu Sahasranama, or mantras dedicated to the Moon and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Breaking the Fast: After the moonrise, offer kheer or milk to the moon, pray, and then eat the prasad.
This fast is believed to cleanse negativity and attract divine energy into one’s life.
The Kheer Ritual and Its Meaning on Sharad Purnima
Kheer plays a special role on this night. People make rice kheer with milk and sugar, and after moonrise, they place it under the open sky.
According to tradition, the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is infused with nectar. The food kept under it absorbs this cosmic energy, making it healthier and spiritually charged.
The next morning, devotees eat or distribute the kheer as Amrit Prasad, symbolizing purity and divine nourishment.
Scientific and Ayurvedic Connection of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima isn’t just a spiritual festival; it also has scientific and Ayurvedic significance.
- Moonlight Therapy: Ancient Ayurveda suggests that moonlight has a cooling and calming effect on the body, especially beneficial for those with high Pitta dosha (heat imbalance).
- Nourishment from Dew: The dew formed on the kheer during the night adds trace minerals, enhancing its digestibility and energy value.
- Mental Health: Gazing at the full moon and meditating under its light helps reduce anxiety and brings emotional stability.
Regional Celebrations Of Sharad Purnima Across India
Sharad Purnima takes on different colors across regions:
- North India: Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja, keep fasts, and stay awake through the night.
- West Bengal & Odisha: Celebrated as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, where homes are decorated and rituals are performed to welcome the goddess.
- Maharashtra & Gujarat: People prepare kheer and gather under the moonlight for community prayers.
- South India: Known as Kaumudi Purnima, celebrated with temple rituals and special offerings to deities.
Each region adds its cultural essence, yet the message remains the same — devotion, gratitude, and prosperity.
Also Read: What to Eat in Purnima Fast: A Complete Guide
Spiritual Remedies for Sharad Purnima 2025
If you’re seeking peace, prosperity, or healing, here are some spiritual practices to follow:
- Chant “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” 108 times for abundance.
- Do moon meditation: Sit under the moonlight, focus on your breath, and absorb its soothing energy.
- Donate white sweets or milk to symbolize purity.
- Feed cows — a sacred act believed to bring blessings.
Conclusion: The Moonlight of Blessings
Sharad Purnima isn’t just about rituals — it’s a reminder to reconnect with purity, gratitude, and divine light. It’s a celebration of the full moon within us — the completeness that shines when our hearts are full of devotion.
As you watch the moon glow on October 10, 2025, remember —
“Just like the moon, you too have the power to light up the darkest night.”
FAQs
What are the timings for Sharad Purnima in 2025?
Sharad Purnima in 2025 will be observed on Monday, October 6th. As per the Hindu Panchang, the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon phase) begins at 12:23 PM on October 6, 2025, and ends at 09:16 AM on October 7, 2025. Since the key rituals — such as offering kheer to the moon and performing the Kojagara Puja (night vigil) — are conducted under the full moon, the main celebration will take place on the night of October 6th, 2025, when the moon shines at its brightest and most auspicious form.
Which date is Purnima in 2025? Why is Sharad Purnima so special?
The Sharad Purnima in 2025 falls on October 6th (Monday), and it is considered the most sacred and spiritually charged full moon of the year. On this divine night, the moon is believed to radiate nectar-like rays (Amrit) that have healing and purifying effects. Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth to bless those who stay awake and worship her with devotion.
Is Purnima on 13 January 2025?
Yes, there is a Purnima on January 13, 2025, but it is not Sharad Purnima. The full moon in January is known as Paush Purnima, which holds its own significance, especially for holy baths (Snan) and charitable acts during the winter season. In contrast, Sharad Purnima occurs later in the year, on October 6th, 2025, and is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the full moon’s divine energy, and the celestial blessing of prosperity and wellness.