Sharad Purnima 2026 will be observed on the night of Sunday, 25 October 2026. Also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Raas Purnima, it is the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin, when the monsoon ends and the clear skies of the Sharad season begin.
For Krishna devotees, this is the sacred night of Lord Krishna's Maha Raas with Srimati Radharani and the gopis of Vrindavan. It is also the night when devotees offer kheer to the Lord, keep it in the moonlight and stay awake in prayer, chanting and remembrance.
This guide covers the Sharad Purnima 2026 date and tithi time, the tradition of moonlight kheer, the meaning of Kojagiri Purnima, vrat practices and the spiritual significance of the Maha Raas. You can also see the complete Purnima dates 2026 list for all full moon days this year.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date and Tithi Time
| Occasion | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima / Raas Purnima) |
| Main observance | Night of Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 25 October 2026, 11:58 AM (IST) |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 26 October 2026, 09:43 AM (IST) |
| Moonrise in Jaipur | Around 5:00 PM (IST) |
| Moon worship and kheer offering | After the moon becomes visible on 25 October |
What Makes Sharad Purnima Different From Other Full Moon Days?
Every Purnima holds spiritual significance, but Sharad Purnima is considered especially auspicious because of its unique connection with the autumn full moon and divine devotional traditions.
The clear sky of Sharad Ritu, the brightness of the full moon, and the peaceful atmosphere of this night have inspired devotees for centuries to engage in spiritual practices and remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
According to traditional beliefs, the moon on Sharad Purnima is associated with complete divine energy, and devotees use this occasion to increase their devotion through prayers, chanting, and offerings.
Rather than being only a seasonal festival, Sharad Purnima represents a deeper spiritual message: a reminder to move the heart towards purity, devotion, and connection with the divine.
Why Is Sharad Purnima Called Raas Purnima in Vrindavan?
Among Krishna devotees, Sharad Purnima is especially celebrated as Raas Purnima because it is connected with the transcendental pastime of Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas with Srimati Radharani and the gopis of Vrindavan.
The sacred night of Maha Raas is described as a celebration of the highest form of pure devotion, where the love between Krishna and His devotees represents complete surrender and selfless devotion.
For the devotees of Vrindavan, Sharad Purnima is not simply a festival based on a lunar date. It is an opportunity to remember the divine sweetness of Krishna’s pastimes and meditate upon the spiritual atmosphere of Braj Dham.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind Krishna’s Maha Raas
The Maha Raas of Lord Krishna is considered one of the most profound spiritual pastimes described in the scriptures. It represents the eternal relationship between the Supreme Lord and His pure devotees.
The gopis of Vrindavan did not approach Krishna with material desires. Their devotion represents complete love, dedication, and surrender towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Sharad Purnima reminds devotees that the highest purpose of spiritual life is developing pure love and devotion for Krishna. Through remembrance, chanting, and devotional service, one can gradually experience a deeper connection with the Lord.
Why Is Kheer Prepared on Sharad Purnima Night?
One of the most well-known traditions of Sharad Purnima is preparing kheer and offering it to the Lord. Many devotees prepare this sacred preparation using milk, rice, and other pure ingredients as an offering of devotion.
A popular tradition involves keeping the kheer under the moonlight after offering it to the Lord. This practice is connected with the belief that the cool rays of the Sharad full moon make this night spiritually special.
For devotees, the importance of kheer is not only in the preparation itself but in the devotion and gratitude with which it is prepared and offered as prasadam.
Kojagiri Purnima: The Tradition Associated With Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagiri Purnima in many regions of India. The word “Kojagiri” is associated with the tradition of staying awake during the full moon night.
Devotees traditionally spend this night in prayers, devotional activities, and worship. Many people also perform Lakshmi Puja and seek blessings of prosperity and spiritual well-being.
Although regional customs may differ, the central theme remains the same: remembering the divine and spending this sacred night in a spiritually uplifting manner.
How Is Sharad Purnima Celebrated? Traditional Rituals and Practices
Sharad Purnima celebrations include various devotional activities performed throughout the day and night.
Morning Practices
Devotees begin the day with a holy bath, prayers, and a devotional mindset. Many observe fasting or follow a sattvik diet as an expression of their dedication and spiritual discipline.
Evening Practices
During the evening, devotees worship Lord Krishna, offer prayers, perform kirtan, and meditate upon His divine pastimes. The full moon night is considered especially suitable for devotional remembrance.
Many devotees prepare special offerings such as kheer and offer them to the Lord before accepting it as prasadam.
Sharad Purnima Vrat: Rules, Food & Devotional Practices
The way Sharad Purnima vrat is observed may vary according to different traditions and personal capacity. Some devotees observe a complete fast, while others follow a simple sattvik diet throughout the day.
The focus of the vrat is not only external fasting but internal purification through:
- Remembering Lord Krishna
- Chanting the holy names
- Reading spiritual texts
- Offering prayers and devotional service
- Maintaining purity in thoughts and actions
A sincere devotional mood is considered the most important part of observing this sacred occasion.
The Spiritual Significance of Sharad Purnima for Devotees
Sharad Purnima offers devotees an opportunity to deepen their spiritual practices and remember the loving relationship between the Supreme Lord and His devotees.
The festival teaches that true happiness comes through devotion, surrender, and remembrance of Krishna. The beauty of the full moon night serves as a reminder of the divine light that removes darkness from the heart.
For Krishna devotees, Sharad Purnima is a celebration of divine love, devotion, and the eternal sweetness of Krishna’s presence.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima is a festival that beautifully brings together nature, tradition, and devotion. The glow of the full moon, the offering of kheer, and the remembrance of Lord Krishna’s pastimes make this occasion deeply meaningful for devotees.
Whether through fasting, prayers, chanting, or simply remembering the significance of this sacred night, Sharad Purnima offers a chance to reconnect with spiritual practices and celebrate the devotional heritage associated with this festival.
