Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagiri Purnima or Kumar Purnima, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Ashwina (Ashwin), which usually falls in October in the Gregorian calendar. It holds significant cultural and religious importance in various regions of India.
Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the onset of the autumn harvest season in India. It is a time of joy and celebration as farmers rejoice in the successful cultivation of their crops. The full moon of Sharad Purnima is believed to be the brightest and most beautiful of the year. It is said that the moon shines with sixteen kalas or divine aspects on this night, making it especially auspicious.
Sharad Purnima is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Devotees perform puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi seeking her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
Many people observe a fast (vrat) on Sharad Purnima, particularly in the evening. The fast is believed to bring blessings and fulfillment of desires. Some devotees also fast and stay awake all night, engaging in various religious activities.
Sharad Purnima is also a time when devotees perform rituals and prayers dedicated to the moon (Chandra). While there might not be specific mythological narratives tied to this festival, the worship of the moon is a prevalent practice in Hinduism, symbolizing purity, serenity, and divine grace.
In the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, Sharad Purnima is known as Kumar Purnima and is dedicated to the worship of Kumar Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiv. Unmarried girls fast and perform rituals seeking the blessings of Kumar Kartikeya for a good husband and marital bliss.
A traditional dish made during Sharad Purnima is kheer, a sweet rice pudding. It is prepared with milk, rice, sugar, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. The kheer is offered to the moon god as part of the rituals on this auspicious night.
Overall, Sharad Purnima is a time of joy, gratitude, and spiritual observance, symbolizing the bountiful blessings of nature and the divine. It is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm across various parts of India, with customs and traditions varying from region to region.
