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Festival Profile

Sharad Purnima

Autumn full moon, sacred to Goddess Lakshmi, celebrated with kheer under moonlight.

All festivals

Sharad Purnima, the autumn full moon, is sacred to Goddess Lakshmi and is celebrated with kheer kept under moonlight.

Stories behind the festival

The nectar of moonlight

According to tradition, on Sharad Purnima the moon's rays are infused with nectar (amrit). Keeping kheer under the moonlight is believed to bless it with healing, and to please Goddess Lakshmi, bringing prosperity.
Regional tradition

The nectar of moonlight

According to tradition, on Sharad Purnima the moon's rays are infused with nectar (amrit). Keeping kheer under the moonlight is believed to bless it with healing, and to please Goddess Lakshmi, bringing prosperity.
Regional tradition

Why we celebrate

Sharad Purnima, the autumn full moon, is sacred to Goddess Lakshmi and is celebrated with kheer kept under moonlight.
Regional tradition

When

Sharad Purnima falls on the full moon of the Hindu month Ashwin (September–October).

Since when it is followed

The autumn full moon observance is ancient, tied to the harvest season.
Regional tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus across India, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Origin

The origin is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi on the autumn full moon and the belief that the moonlight has healing nectar (amrit).
Regional tradition; Lakshmi worship

Key deities

Goddess Lakshmi.

How to celebrate

Keep a bowl of kheer (rice pudding) in moonlight overnight, and eat it the next morning as prasad.

Rituals & offerings

Kheer kept under moonlight, Lakshmi puja, and nightlong devotion.

Key facts

In some regions, Sharad Purnima is associated with the ras leela of Krishna and the gopis.
Krishna tradition
In some regions, Sharad Purnima is associated with the ras leela of Krishna and the gopis.
Krishna tradition