Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the full moon night in the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (September-October).
Also known as the 'Harvest Moon', Sharad Purnima is celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. It falls on the full moon night and signifies the end of the monsoon season.
This year, the 'Harvest Moon' will be celebrated on October 16, 2024. The Purnima Tithi (full moon) begins at 8:40 PM on that day and ends at 4:55 PM on October 17. The moonrise on Sharad Purnima is expected at 5:13 PM on October 16.
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Why Sharad Purnima is Celebrated?
Sharad Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin, marks the transition from the monsoon season to autumn in India. This festival is rich in cultural significance, often referred to as Kojagari Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima, and is dedicated to various deities, particularly Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
It is believed that on this night, Lakshmi descends to Earth to bless those who remain awake in her honor, leading to rituals that include fasting and offering kheer (a sweet dish made from rice and milk) under the moonlight. The night is also associated with the divine play of Krishna and the gopis, symbolizing love and devotion, which is vividly depicted in traditional art forms.
In many regions, such as Maharashtra and Bengal, people engage in various customs like decorating homes with lights and rangolis, singing devotional songs, and preparing special dishes to welcome prosperity and abundance. Sharad Purnima thus serves as a celebration of nature's beauty, spiritual awakening, and communal harmony as it heralds the onset of winter.
Key Details
Sharad Purnima in 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16. Here are the key details:
Source: Punjab Kesari
1) Date and Time
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 8:40 PM on October 16, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 4:55 PM on October 17, 2024
- Moonrise: 5:13 PM on October 16, 2024
2) Significance
Sharad Purnima is a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon season and is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna.
It is believed that the moon shines with all 16 kalas (phases) on this night, symbolising completeness and prosperity.
3) Rituals
- Kheer Preparation: Traditional rice pudding (kheer) is prepared and kept under the moonlight to absorb its beneficial properties.
- Worship: Devotees perform rituals to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
- Kojagari Vrat: Many observe a fast and stay awake through the night to honour the goddess.
4) Cultural Practices
The night is celebrated with decorations, offerings, and community gatherings. Special rangoli patterns are created, and food is offered to the deities.
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Why is Sharad Purnima also known as Kojagari Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima, a name derived from the Bengali word "Kojagari," meaning "who is awake?" This festival emphasizes the belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on this night, blessing those who stay awake in her honor. Observing a vigil is considered essential, as it is thought that the goddess bestows prosperity and abundance upon those who remain alert.
The celebration occurs on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashvin, marking the end of the monsoon season and coinciding with the harvest festival in many regions of India.
Rituals associated with Kojagari Purnima include fasting, decorating homes, and preparing special dishes like kheer, which is placed under the moonlight to absorb its beneficial properties. The festival thus embodies themes of vigilance, devotion, and gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year.
What are the Key Differences Between Sharad Purnima and Other Full Moon Celebrations?
Sharad Purnima is a unique full moon celebration with distinct characteristics that set it apart from other full moon festivals. Here are the key differences:
1) Timing and Context
- Sharad Purnima: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September-October), marking the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of autumn.
- Other Full Moon Celebrations: Various cultures and religions celebrate full moons at different times, often tied to agricultural cycles or lunar calendars, such as the Buddhist Vesak or the Chinese Lantern Festival.
2) Cultural Significance
- Sharad Purnima: Primarily recognised in Hindu traditions, it is associated with Goddess Lakshmi's blessings, prosperity, and the performance of Raas Leela by Lord Krishna with the Gopis (milkmaids). It is also known as Kojagiri Purnima, emphasising themes of awakening and vigilance.
- Other Full Moon Festivals: Different celebrations may focus on various deities or themes. For example, Vesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, while other cultures may honour nature or ancestral spirits.
3) Rituals and Practices
- Sharad Purnima: Involves specific rituals such as preparing kheer (a rice pudding) and placing it under the moonlight to absorb its beneficial properties. Devotees often fast and stay awake through the night to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
- Other Full Moon Celebrations: Rituals can vary widely; for example, during Vesak, people light lanterns and engage in meditation, while other cultures might celebrate with feasting or communal gatherings.
4) Symbolism
- Sharad Purnima: The night is believed to be endowed with all sixteen phases (kala) of the moon, symbolising completeness and divine blessings. It is considered a time for spiritual purification and community bonding.
- Other Full Moon Celebrations: The symbolism can differ; for instance, in some traditions, full moons represent fertility or renewal rather than specific divine interactions.
5) Regional Variations
- Sharad Purnima: While celebrated across India, it has regional names and customs (e.g., Kumar Purnima in Odisha) but generally retains its core significance related to harvest and divine blessings.
- Other Full Moon Celebrations: Each culture may have its own unique interpretation and practices associated with full moons, influenced by local beliefs and traditions.
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What are the Scientific Reasons Behind the Tradition of Keeping Food Under Moonlight?
Source: Vraj Dwar
The tradition of placing food, particularly kheer (a rice pudding), under moonlight during Sharad Purnima has both cultural significance and scientific reasoning. Here are the key points regarding the scientific basis for this practice:
1) Healing Properties of Moonlight
It is believed that the moon emits special healing waves, especially on Sharad Purnima when it is closest to Earth. These waves are thought to enhance the nutritional quality of food placed under moonlight, making it more beneficial for health.
2) Nutritional Enhancement
The cooling effect of moonlight can enhance the nutritional properties of food. By exposing Kheer to moonlight, it is believed that additional nourishing qualities are imparted, which can positively impact health and well-being.
3) Biochemical Reactions
Some studies suggest that the interaction of moonlight with certain foods can promote beneficial biochemical reactions. For instance, the lactic acid in milk may increase beneficial bacteria when exposed to moonlight, potentially enhancing digestive health and overall well-being23.
4) Symbolic and Spiritual Connection
Beyond the physical benefits, this practice also symbolises a connection to cosmic forces and nature's gifts. Consuming kheer that has been "blessed" by moonlight is seen as a way to invite prosperity and good health into one’s life.
5) Cultural Beliefs
Traditionally, it is thought that the full moon's energy can rejuvenate both body and spirit. This belief aligns with various cultural practices that emphasise the importance of lunar cycles in influencing human health and behaviour.
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