Day, date, meaning, Vrat and all about it

Sharad Purnima is one of the most important purnimas in the Hindu calendar. According to Hindu mythology, Sharad Purnima is the only day of the year when the moon shines in its sixteen Kalas or phases. Sharad Poornima Puja is October 30, Friday. Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagori Purnima, Kojagara or Kojagiri Purnima and Kumar Purnima. In Gujarat, Sharad Purnima is popularly known as Sharad Poonam. In many parts of the country, Sharad Purnima is also celebrated as the harvest festival by farmers.

Sharad Purnima 2020: day, date, Muhurat

Purnima tithi starts at 5:45 p.m. on October 30
Purnima tithi ends at 8:18 p.m. on October 31
Moonrise on Sharad Purnima day: 5:11 PM

Sharad Purnima 2020: Fasting Rituals of Kojagari Purnima or Raas Purnima

Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima. Lakshmi is revered for its prosperity and abundance. It also marks the harvest festival, signifying the end of the rainy season. According to Drik Panchang, Sharad Purnima is celebrated as Raas Purnima in the Brij region and Lord Krishna is believed to have executed Maha-Raas with his Gopis on this day.

On the night of Sharad Purnima, the Gopis came out of their homes after hearing the sound of Krishna’s flute. The Gopis of Vrindavan with Lord Krishna danced the night away, according to mythology.

Traditionally, women fast all day and prepare bhog to offer to the goddess. While some play nirjala fast (without drinking water), others consume coconut water and fruits the same day. In addition to several kinds of sweets, savory dishes are also prepared. As a member of bhog, the kheer rice is a must. Devotees break their fast with prashad of kheer rice. The kheer is then distributed to friends and family the next day. Rice-Kheer is a popular sweet dish made with milk, rice, and sugar or jaggery.

Happy Sharad Purnima 2020!