Sharad Purnima 2025: Know Date, Moonrise Time, Rituals, Kheer Tradition, and Significance of the Night of Nectar

In 2025, Sharad Purnima, one of Hinduism’s most sacred full moon nights, will be celebrated on Monday, October 6.
According to the lunar calendar, the Purnima Tithi begins at 12:23 PM on October 6 and ends at 9:16 AM on October 7.

On this divine night, the moon appears in its complete 16 phases (Solas Kalas) and is believed to radiate cool, nourishing rays that bless the earth with spiritual and physical rejuvenation. For this reason, Sharad Purnima is also known as the Night of Amrit Varsha — the shower of nectar.

Significance of Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima holds immense importance in the Hindu tradition. It is believed that on this night, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth and blesses devotees who remain awake in devotion and perform her puja.

According to legends, Lord Krishna performed the Maha Raas with the gopis of Vrindavan on this very night, symbolizing divine love and eternal joy.

Spiritually, the moon on Sharad Purnima represents completeness — the union of mind and emotion — and devotees believe that meditating or praying under its light brings mental peace, prosperity, and emotional balance.

The Kheer Tradition — The Night of Amrit Varsha

One of the most unique customs of Sharad Purnima is the kheer ritual. Devotees prepare sweet rice pudding (kheer) and place it under the open sky, allowing it to soak in the moonlight overnight.

According to belief, the moon’s rays are infused with healing and purifying properties on this night. When the kheer is kept under the moonlight, it absorbs this divine energy, turning it into “Amrit Kheer”, which is consumed the next morning as a sacred prasad for good health and fortune.

Many families also offer this moon-kissed kheer to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, seeking blessings for wealth, happiness, and harmony.

How to Perform Sharad Purnima Puja

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for observing Sharad Purnima at home:

1. Cleanse and prepare: Take a bath in the evening and wear clean, preferably white clothes.
2. Prepare the puja thali: Include a diya (lamp), flowers, rice grains, sandalwood, and sweets — especially kheer.
3. Offer Arghya to the Moon:
   • Fill a kalash or lota with water, add a few drops of milk, rice, sugar, and white flowers.
   • After moonrise, face the moon and pour the jal slowly as you chant mantras dedicated to Chandra Dev and Goddess Lakshmi.
4. Pray with devotion: Sit peacefully, meditate on the moon’s light, and seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and happiness.
5. Place the kheer under the sky: Keep the bowl uncovered or lightly covered with a thin cloth and retrieve it at dawn as blessed prasad.

Benefits of Offering Arghya to the Moon

Mental Calmness: Reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance, promoting serenity and inner stability.
Physical Health: The cooling properties of the moon’s rays are believed to balance body energy and improve wellness.
Domestic Harmony: Worshipping the moon fosters peace and understanding in family relationships.
Wealth and Prosperity: Goddess Lakshmi blesses devotees with abundance and success.
Astrological Relief: Offering Arghya is considered beneficial for those affected by Chandra Dosh in their horoscope.

Regional Names and Traditions

Sharad Purnima is celebrated across India under various names, including Kojagari Purnima, Raas Purnima, and Kaumudi Purnima.

• In West Bengal and Odisha, it is known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, where devotees worship the Goddess of wealth throughout the night.
• In Braj and Vrindavan, the night is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela, celebrated with music, dance, and devotion.
• Across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and North India, families stay awake all night, sing bhajans, and perform the kheer ritual as a symbol of divine grace.

Do’s and Don’ts for Sharad Purnima Night

Do: Stay awake and perform the Lakshmi puja with devotion.
Do: Keep kheer under moonlight — it symbolizes purity and prosperity.
Do: Chant mantras and meditate under the full moon for peace.
Don’t: Engage in anger, arguments, or negative thoughts — this night amplifies mental vibrations.
Don’t: Eat or drink heavy food before performing puja; maintain sattvic discipline.

Sharad Purnima 2025 is more than just a full moon; it’s a celebration of cosmic harmony, devotion, and divine abundance.
It connects science, spirituality, and tradition — reminding us that light and calmness can heal and elevate life.

On October 6, 2025, as the moon shines in all its brilliance, take a moment to step outside, look up at the sky, and feel the magic of its silvery glow — for this is the night when the moon truly pours nectar upon the earth.