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This year’s Sharad Purnima — the autumn full moon that follows Navratri and Dussehra — falls on 25 October 2026, with the lunar day stretching into the morning of 26 October. For households preparing a simple vigil, the timing matters: a late-afternoon moonrise and an overnight purnima tithi mean some families observe the ritual on the 25th, others carry the night into the 26th according to their panchang.
Date and timings (New Delhi)
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Purnima tithi begins | 11:55 AM, Sunday 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima tithi ends | 9:41 AM, Monday 26 October 2026 |
| Moonrise (approx.) | About 5:00 PM on 25 October 2026 |
What the night signifies
Sharad Purnima is observed across India with strikingly different local flavors, but the underlying theme is the same: wakefulness and welcome. In the Vaishnava tradition the night recalls the Maha Rasa, the divine dance between Krishna and the gopis in Vrindavan, when the moon is celebrated as especially luminous.
In eastern states the festival is known as Kojagara — a Lakshmi vigil during which families ask who remains awake to receive the goddess. Many households keep lamps lit and maintain a quiet night-long watch, playing simple indoor games or creating decorative floor motifs. In western regions, especially parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra, community dances and gatherings form part of the observance, while Maharashtra also preserves the custom of sharing spiced milk.
The kheer custom and safety tips
A central ritual across much of India is leaving a bowl of kheer — a sweet rice pudding — exposed under the moon until it is offered as prasad. Traditionally prepared with milk, rice, cardamom and nuts, this offering is symbolic rather than culinary; households usually make a modest portion to share.
- Cover the bowl with a fine mesh or muslin to keep out insects and dust.
- Refrigerate any leftovers promptly; milk-based dishes spoil quickly at room temperature.
- If you have dietary restrictions or diabetes, reduce sugar or use alternatives; the moonlight belief is cultural, not medical.
- Make only as much as you intend to offer—this is a devotional item, not a large banquet.
A simple puja to observe at home
- Clean the entrance and light a lamp at dusk to mark hospitality.
- Place an image or small icon of Lakshmi (or your preferred deity) with flowers, a diya and a bowl of kheer.
- Offer the kheer after the moon rises; recite a short stotra or sing a quiet aarti if you wish.
- Keep the vigil only as long as feels comfortable—staying up all night is not required.
These steps are intentionally minimal: the observance is meant to be contemplative rather than elaborate. If clouds hide the moon where you are, the lamp and the intention still carry the ritual’s spirit.
Where to experience the night
For those who travel to witness public observances, Vrindavan and Mathura host some of the most elaborate Rasa-related ceremonies. Coastal and temple towns such as Puri and major cultural centres like Kolkata similarly observe distinctive Kojagara or Purnima rites. Expect crowds; plan ahead, follow local temple notices and carry water and basic comforts.
Quick answers
When is Sharad Purnima 2026? Sunday 25 October, with the purnima tithi continuing into the morning of 26 October 2026.
When will the moon rise in New Delhi? Around 5:00 PM on 25 October (local moonrise times can vary by city).
What is Kojagara? A regional name for the Lakshmi vigil observed on the full-moon night in parts of eastern India.
If you plan to observe, check your local panchang for exact tithi and moonrise times — small differences between cities can change whether the ritual falls on the 25th or the 26th. The festival’s appeal lies in its quiet, communal pause: a few simple preparations let households join a practice that has been kept for generations.
