Sharad
Purnima
2026

Sharad Purnima falls in the month of Ashwina (September-October). It is also known as Ashwina Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, Raas Purnima and Kuanr Purnima.

As per Vedas, it is believed that on this day, moon rises with with all 16 kalas (virtues) and carried heavenly healing powers to the Earth. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for health, wealth and prosperity.

When in Sharad Purnima in 2026?

Occasion Date and Time

Sharad Purnima 2026: Monday, 26 October 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 11:55 AM on 25 October 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 09:41 AM on 26 October 2026

Approx. Moonrise Time: 05:00 PM to 05:30 PM on 26 October 2026

Significance of Sharad Purnima 2026

Sharad Purnima is the most auspicious Purnima out of all Purnimas observed in a year. On this day, moon comes closest to the earth and brings healing powers to the Earth.

Here's what makes this Purnima so special:

Amrit Varsha

As the moon comes closest to the Earth, the moon rays falling on the Earth carries divine healing powers. It is believed that moon drips amrit with it's rays on the Earth.

Devotees usually sit under the moon on this day to absorb it's healing powers. Many devotees also keep water in the copper utensil or put rice-kheer in the moon light for the whole night. Then they eat or drink them the next morning to absorb the amrit (healing powers) from the moon.

Lord Krishna Connection

In Braj, (Vrindavan, Gokul etc.) Sharad Purnima is also known as Raas Purnima. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna performed Maha Raas with Radha and other Gopis.

Goddess Lakshmi Worship

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Sharad Purnima (Ashwin Purnima). As per Vedas, Goddess Lakshmi takes rounds of the Earth at night and observes her devotees. Devotees stay awake at night to take the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Hence, Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima. Kojagari means "Who's awake?" Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth and asks Kojagari and grants her blessings to the devotees who stays awake at night on Sharad Purnima.

Lord Kartikeya Puja

In Odisha, Sharad Purnima is considered as Kumar Purnima. On this day the native girls observe fast and worship Lord Kartikeya to get a suitable life partner. They break their fast in the evening after worshipping the moon.

Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

Sharad Purnima is celebrated differently in different regions. People observing Purnima vrat may follow customs such as:

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean clothes
• Read Sharad Purnima Vrat katha
• Goddess Laskhmi is worshipped on this day. Setup the altar with Goddess Lakshmi Lord Vishnu idols and chant Goddess Lakshmi aarti.
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Observe the Sharad Purnima Fast
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.
• In the evening, light up 5 to 10 diya and place them in different places, like in the puja room, near the main door, and beside the Tulsi plant.
• Being a Purnima, special prayers are offered to the Moon God (Chandra Dev). Devotees look at the moon and make offerings of water and rice grains for emotional balance and prosperity.
• Stay awake at night and sit on terrace or any open area to absorb moonlight . Keep water or kheer in copper utensils. Eat them the next day.
• Donate food and clothes to Brahmins and poor

Sharad Purnima Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Purnima.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Purnima.

What not to eat on Sharad Purnima

During Sharad Purnima fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Purnima fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Purnima fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Purnima fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Sharad Purnima Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Sharad Purnima fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of observing Sharad Purnima Fast 2026

Devotees observing Sharad Purnima fast see a drastic change in their lives. Here are the benefits -

• Worshipping God Lakshmi brings wealth and prosperity
• Sitting in full moon allows body to absorb the healing powers and improve health
• Worshipping Lord Kartikeya helps in finding the desired life partner