Sharad Purnima 2020 Image: Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on Sharad Purnima
Today is Sharad Purnima, one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Sharad Purnima is one of the thirteen Purnima tithis or good full moon nights in a year, which most Hindu devotees observe in India. Each Purnima is dedicated to a different god and has distinct rituals. 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 is also known as Kojagari Purnima, Kojagara or Kojagiri Purnima and Kumar Purnima. In Gujarat, Sharad Purnima is popularly known as Sharad Poonam. Farmers worship goddess Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima for a good harvest.
Sharad Purnima 2020: Muhurat, Fasting and Puja Vidhi
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
Image Sharad Purnima 2020: It is one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar
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 it is believed that Lord Krishna executed Maha-Raas with his Gopis on that day.
Sharad Purnima 2020: Samagri for Puja on Sharad Purnima
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.
Sharad Purnima 2020 Image: The Gopis of Vrindavan with Lord Krishna
Traditionally, women fast all day and prepare bhog for the goddess. While some perform nirjala quickly (without drinking water), others consume coconut water and fruit during the day. In addition to several kinds of sweets, savory dishes are also prepared.
Sharad Purnima fasting rituals: devotees break their fast with prashad kheer rice
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.
