Festival guide
Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima, the full moon of Ashwin, is said to be the one night when the Moon shines with all sixteen kalas.
Sharad Purnima dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday 25 October | Ashwin Shukla Purnima 25 Oct, 11:56 → 26 Oct, 09:41 |
| 2027 | Friday 15 October | Ashwin Shukla Purnima 14 Oct, 18:49 → 15 Oct, 19:16 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi in the evening (pradosh).
Also known as: Kojagari Purnima, Kumar Purnima.
Story and significance
Bengal tradition says Lakshmi wanders asking “ko jagarti?” — who is awake? — and blesses those keeping vigil. Braj tradition associates the night with Krishna’s Maha Raas.
How Sharad Purnima is celebrated
- Kheer left in the moonlight overnight and eaten the next morning as prasad
- Lakshmi puja and night vigil (Kojagari) in Bengal, Odisha and Assam
- Kumar Purnima in Odisha, when young women pray for a good husband
Recite on Sharad Purnima: Lakshmi Aarti — Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Sharad Purnima 2026?
Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on Sunday, 25 October 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Sharad Purnima 2027?
Sharad Purnima 2027 falls on Friday, 15 October 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Sharad Purnima change every year?
Sharad Purnima is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Shukla Paksha Purnima of Ashwin (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Sharad Purnima fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.