When is Sharad Purnima 2026?
Sharad Purnima 2026 will be observed on the night of Sunday, October 25. The Purnima Tithi will begin at 11:58 AM on October 25, 2026, and end at 9:42 AM on October 26, 2026. The tradition of performing worship under the moonlight, having Chandra Darshan and placing Kheer under the moonlight will be followed after moonrise on the night of October 25.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date and Time
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Purnima Tithi Begins: October 25, 2026, at 11:58 AM
Purnima Tithi Ends: October 26, 2026, at 9:42 AM
Time to Place Kheer: After moonrise on the night of October 25, 2026.
The exact time for placing Kheer under the moonlight will depend on the moonrise time in your city. Therefore, it is advisable to check the moonrise time according to the local Panchang.
What Other Names is Sharad Purnima Known By?
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima, Kojagari Poonam, Kaumudi Purnima and Raas Purnima. The Puja rituals and religious traditions associated with this day may vary across different regions.
The religious beliefs associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shri Krishna and Chandra Dev are considered especially significant on this night. In many families, there is a tradition of placing Kheer under the moonlight, staying awake at night and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.
What is the Purnima Tithi of Sharad Purnima 2026?
In 2026, the Purnima Tithi will remain from 11:58 AM on October 25 to 9:42 AM on October 26.
Key Information About Sharad Purnima 2026
• Sharad Purnima: Sunday night, October 25, 2026
• Purnima Tithi Begins: October 25, 11:58 AM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: October 26, 9:42 AM
• Kojagari Nishitha Puja: Approximately 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM
• Offering Arghya to the Moon: After moonrise, according to local tradition
The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the city and the method of Panchang calculation.
To Know All Sharad Purnima Muhurats and Moonrise Timings in 2026
To check the exact Sharad Purnima Muhurat, moonrise time and Purnima Tithi according to your city, see the [SanatanJyoti Panchang].
What is Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is an important festival observed on the Full Moon of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. The night of this Purnima is considered special because it comes after the rainy season and is traditionally associated with a clear sky and the full moon.
According to religious beliefs, the Moon on this night is regarded as a symbol of completeness and coolness. In many traditions, the moonlight of Sharad Purnima is considered especially sacred, and Chandra Puja and Chandra Darshan are believed to have religious significance.
One of the most well-known traditions associated with this night is placing Kheer under the moonlight. Devotees prepare Kheer, keep it under the moonlight and later consume it as Prasad according to their family tradition.
Why is Sharad Purnima Called Kojagari Purnima?
In many regions, Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari or Kojagara Purnima. The name is associated with the phrase “Ko Jagrati?”, meaning “Who is awake?”
According to religious belief, Goddess Lakshmi visits the Earth on this night and blesses devotees who remain awake and engaged in devotion. Because of this belief, people in many places stay awake throughout the night and worship Goddess Lakshmi.
The tradition of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is particularly prominent in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and some eastern regions. In Maharashtra, the festival is also widely known as Kojagiri Purnima.
To learn more about the date, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat, Lakshmi Puja and religious significance of Kojagari Purnima, read: [Kojagari Purnima]
What is the Religious Significance of Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is associated with completeness, peace, prosperity and devotion from a religious perspective.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev according to their traditions. In some traditions, Lord Shri Krishna is also worshipped.
The night of Sharad Purnima holds special significance in the Braj region, where it is observed as Raas Purnima. In Vaishnava traditions, this night is associated with the divine Raas Leela of Lord Shri Krishna.
For information about all Purnima Tithis throughout the year, their Vrat, Puja Vidhi and Shubh Muhurat, read our article: [Purnima Vrat]
Why is the Moon Worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
In Hindu tradition, the Moon is associated with the mind, coolness and gentleness. The tradition of worshipping and viewing the full moon on the night of Sharad Purnima is followed in many regions.
After moonrise, devotees offer water, Akshat and flowers to Chandra Dev and pray. In some families, milk or Kheer made from milk is also offered as Bhog.
This Puja can be performed according to family tradition and the local religious practices.
Why is Kheer Placed Under the Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
One of the most famous traditions of Sharad Purnima is placing Kheer under the moonlight.
According to tradition, Kheer made from milk and rice is kept under the moonlight at night and later consumed as Prasad. Religious belief considers the rays of the Moon on this night to be cool and nectar-like.
However, this is a religious and traditional belief. It should not be presented as a scientifically proven medicinal process or as a treatment for any disease.
When Should Kheer Be Placed Under the Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima 2026, the tradition is to place Kheer under the moonlight after moonrise on the night of October 25.
When keeping Kheer outdoors, cleanliness and food safety should be taken into consideration. If the weather is warm or humid, avoid leaving Kheer outside for a long period. Keep it covered safely and maintain it at an appropriate temperature.
What is the Puja Vidhi for Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima Puja can also be performed in a simple manner. The Puja Vidhi may vary according to regional and family traditions.
1. Clean the Puja Area
First, clean the house and Puja area thoroughly. Spread a clean cloth over a Chowki for the Puja.
2. Establish Goddess Lakshmi
Place an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi on the Chowki. If your family tradition also includes the worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shri Krishna or Chandra Dev, worship them according to the prescribed method.
3. Light a Lamp
Light a Ghee or oil Deepak and meditate upon the Lord and Goddess Lakshmi. Then take the Sankalp for the Puja.
4. Remember Lord Ganesha
Beginning any auspicious Puja with the remembrance of Lord Ganesha is considered auspicious.
5. Offer Puja Samagri to Goddess Lakshmi
Offer Pushpa, Akshat, Chandan, Dhup, Deep, fruits, sweets and Naivedya to Goddess Lakshmi.
6. Chant the Lakshmi Mantra
Chant the Mantra of Goddess Lakshmi with devotion:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.
After this, Lakshmi Ji's Aarti and Stuti may be performed.
7. Offer Arghya to Chandra Dev
After moonrise, offer water to Chandra Dev. Akshat and flowers may also be added to the offering.
Pray to Chandra Dev for mental peace, happiness and prosperity.
8. Offer Kheer as Bhog
As per the Sharad Purnima tradition, prepare Kheer using milk and rice. According to family tradition, place it under the moonlight and consume it as Prasad after the Puja.
What Puja Samagri is Required for Sharad Purnima?
The following items may generally be kept for Sharad Purnima Puja:
• Idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi
• Image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Shri Krishna, if included in the tradition
• Chowki and clean cloth
• Kalash and water
• Akshat
• Roli or Kumkum
• Chandan
• Flowers and garland
• Dhup
• Deepak
• Ghee or oil
• Camphor
• Fruits
• Sweets
• Naivedya
• Kheer made from milk and rice
• Paan and Supari
• Dakshina
The Puja Samagri may vary according to local and family traditions.
Which Mantras Should Be Recited on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima, Mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev may be chanted according to one's faith and tradition.
Goddess Lakshmi Mantra
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.
Chandra Dev Mantra
Om Som Somaya Namah.
Along with Mantra chanting, meditating upon Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev and performing Puja and charity according to one's ability are considered auspicious.
What is the Significance of Lakshmi Puja on Sharad Purnima?
In the Kojagari tradition, Lakshmi Puja on the night of Sharad Purnima is considered especially significant.
According to religious belief, staying awake at night and remembering Goddess Lakshmi on this occasion is associated with blessings of happiness and prosperity. Devotees clean their homes, light lamps and offer fruits, sweets and other Naivedya to Goddess Lakshmi.
The Maharashtra Tourism Department also describes Kojagiri Purnima as a festival associated with Ashwin Purnima and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and mentions the tradition of staying awake at night.
What is the Connection Between Sharad Purnima and Raas Purnima?
In the Braj and Vaishnava traditions, Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima.
According to religious belief, on the night of this Full Moon, Lord Shri Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela with the Gopis in Vrindavan. This is why Sharad Purnima holds special religious significance in Mathura, Vrindavan and the Braj region.
In this tradition, Sharad Purnima is not limited to Chandra Puja but also becomes an occasion for devotion to Shri Krishna and remembrance of the divine Raas Leela.
How to Observe the Sharad Purnima Vrat?
The Sharad Purnima Vrat and fasting practices are not the same in every family. Some people observe a complete fast throughout the day, while others have fruits or Sattvic food.
If you have any health-related condition, you should not undertake a strict fast without medical advice.
Along with the Vrat, devotees may perform Puja, Mantra chanting, charity, night vigil and remembrance of the Lord.
What Should You Do on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima, the following activities may be performed according to one's faith and tradition:
• Clean the house and Puja area.
• Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Chandra Dev.
• Offer Arghya to Chandra Dev after moonrise.
• Prepare Kheer and traditionally place it under the moonlight.
• Chant Lakshmi Mantras.
• Perform charity according to your ability.
• Sing Bhajans, perform Kirtan or recite religious texts at night.
• Stay awake according to family tradition.
• Consume Prasad after the Puja.
What Should You Avoid on Sharad Purnima?
Religious traditions emphasize maintaining purity and devotion during Sharad Purnima Puja.
On this day:
• Do not keep the Puja area unclean.
• Do not disrespect Puja Samagri.
• Do not perform any specific religious ritual on your own without understanding its procedure.
• Do not ignore your health in the name of fasting.
• Do not leave Kheer kept under the moonlight outside for an unsafe period.
• Avoid presenting religious beliefs as scientific medical treatments.
What is the Significance of Charity on Sharad Purnima?
In religious traditions, charity and acts of merit on Purnima are considered especially significant.
On Sharad Purnima, one may donate food grains, clothes, fruits, sweets or other useful items according to one's ability.
The purpose of charity should not only be the desire for religious merit but also the spirit of helping and serving those in need.
Which Religious Texts Can Be Recited on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima, devotees may recite religious texts according to their traditions. For example:
• Shri Lakshmi Stotra
• Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali
• Vishnu Sahasranama
• Recitation of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita
• Shri Krishna Naam Jap
• Chandra Dev Mantra chanting
• Lakshmi Ji Aarti
If your family follows a specific religious tradition, it is more appropriate to follow that tradition.
How to Check the Correct Muhurat for Your City on Sharad Purnima 2026?
Although the date of Sharad Purnima remains the same, moonrise, Nishitha Kaal and other local timings may vary from one city to another.
For example, in Uttar Pradesh, moonrise on October 25, 2026, is approximately 4:43 PM.
To know the exact timing according to your city, it is advisable to check the local Panchang.
What is the Best Time for Lakshmi Puja on Sharad Purnima 2026?
According to the timings given for Uttar Pradesh, the Nishitha Kaal for Kojagari Puja is approximately from 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM. However, this may vary slightly according to the local Panchang.
If your tradition includes Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, it is better to check the Nishitha timing according to the local Panchang for your city.
What is the Difference Between Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima?
Both names are often used for the same night of Ashwin Shukla Purnima, but their religious focus may differ according to regional traditions.
The name Sharad Purnima is associated with the Moon, the Sharad season and the Full Moon night, whereas Kojagari Purnima is particularly associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, night vigil and the religious belief surrounding “Ko Jagrati?”
Similarly, in the Braj region, the same night is known as Raas Purnima and is associated with the Raas Leela of Lord Shri Krishna.
Story and Religious Beliefs Associated with Sharad Purnima
Religious beliefs associated with Sharad Purnima are found in different forms across various regions.
In the Kojagari tradition, the belief that Goddess Lakshmi travels across the Earth at night and blesses devotees who remain awake is prominent. Because of this, devotees stay awake at night and worship Goddess Lakshmi.
In the Braj tradition, the night of Sharad Purnima is associated with the Raas Leela of Lord Shri Krishna. Therefore, special devotional and religious events are organized in Krishna temples and throughout the Braj region.
Thus, the religious traditions of Sharad Purnima prominently include the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Chandra Puja and devotion to Lord Shri Krishna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharad Purnima
1. When is Sharad Purnima 2026?
Sharad Purnima 2026 will be observed on the night of Sunday, October 25. The Purnima Tithi will remain from 11:58 AM on October 25 to 9:42 AM on October 26.
2. What time will the Moon rise on Sharad Purnima 2026?
In Uttar Pradesh, the Moon is expected to rise at approximately 4:43 PM on October 25, 2026.
3. When should Kheer be placed under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima 2026, the tradition is to place Kheer under the moonlight after moonrise on the night of October 25. It may be consumed later as Prasad according to family tradition.
4. Are Sharad Purnima and Kojagari Purnima the same?
In most traditions, both names are associated with the same night of Ashwin Purnima. However, the Puja rituals and religious traditions may differ across regions.
5. Whom is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?
According to regional traditions, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shri Krishna and Chandra Dev on Sharad Purnima.
6. Why is Kheer placed under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
According to religious belief, the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is considered especially cool and sacred. This belief is associated with the tradition of placing Kheer under the moonlight.
7. Is it necessary to stay awake throughout the night on Sharad Purnima?
Staying awake throughout the night is not compulsory for every family. Night vigil has special significance in the Kojagari tradition, but Puja should be performed according to one's ability and family tradition.
8. Why is Sharad Purnima called Raas Purnima?
In the Braj and Vaishnava traditions, this night is associated with the Raas Leela of Lord Shri Krishna. Therefore, it is also known as Raas Purnima.
9. Is it necessary to observe a fast on Sharad Purnima?
Fasting cannot be considered mandatory for everyone. Different families and regions follow different fasting traditions. Fasting should be observed according to one's health and ability.
10. How can I find the correct Muhurat for Sharad Purnima 2026?
To know the moonrise, Purnima Tithi and local Puja Muhurat for Sharad Purnima, it is advisable to check the [SanatanJyoti Panchang] according to your city.
Special Consultation for Sharad Purnima 2026
If you want to know the correct Muhurat for Lakshmi Puja, Chandra Puja or any specific religious Anushthan on Sharad Purnima 2026, you can take [free consultation from our Acharya Ji] according to your city and Puja
requirements.
