Sharad Purnima is considered a very significant day in Hinduism. On this day, it is customary to worship the Moon, offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, and keep kheer in moonlight. In 2026, a unique combination of Revati Nakshatra and Harshana Yoga will occur during Sharad Purnima.
According to astrological beliefs, Revati Nakshatra is associated with prosperity, travel, and the beginning of new ventures, while Harshana Yoga symbolizes joy and enthusiasm. Therefore, on this day, special importance is given to religious rituals, charity, and spiritual practices.
The schedule for Sharad Purnima, information about Revati Nakshatra and Harshana Yoga, traditions of keeping kheer, and ways to appease Goddess Lakshmi are presented below.
According to the Hindu Panchang, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on October 25th on Sunday in 2026. The date of the full moon of Ashwin Masa Shukla Paksha will begin around 11:57 AM on October 25th and last until around 9:42 AM on October 26th. According to religious traditions, worshipping the Moon and placing kheer in moonlight on the night of Sharad Purnima is of particular importance.
This festival is also known as Kojagiri Purnima and Ras Purnima. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are worshipped. In many places, the tradition of staying awake at night and distributing alms to the needy is maintained.
According to the Panchang, Revati Nakshatra will be active from October 25th until approximately 7:22 PM, after which Ashwini Nakshatra will begin. Revati holds the last position among the 27 Nakshatras. In astrology, it is classified as a gentle and auspicious Nakshatra.
Budhha is considered the lord of Revati. According to astrological beliefs, this Nakshatra is related to intellect, communication, travel, kindness, and the search for new paths. During this period, religious activities, helping the needy, and spiritual pursuits are considered favorable.
However, when determining an auspicious time for any endeavor, not only the Nakshatra but also the date, yoga, day of the week, and other aspects of the Panchang are taken into account.
On October 25th, Harshana Yoga will be active until approximately 5:22 PM, after which Vajra Yoga will begin. In astrology, Harshana Yoga is associated with pleasure, enthusiasm, and positivity.
According to religious beliefs, it is good to perform worship, recite mantras, give charity, and make favorable decisions during Harshana Yoga. The name of this yoga itself reflects a feeling of joy and happiness. The presence of this yoga on a religious festival like Sharad Purnima is perceived by believers as a favorable confluence of circumstances.
It is important to note that Harshana Yoga will end around 5:22 PM, while Revati Nakshatra will last until 7:22 PM. Thus, their combined effect will last not all day, but only during the specified time. There may be slight time variations depending on the location.
One of the most special traditions of Sharad Purnima is preparing kheer at night and placing it under the moonlight. There is a religious belief that on this night the Moon reaches the fullness of its sixteen faces, and its rays are considered similar to the elixir of life. It is precisely because of this belief that kheer, made from milk and rice, is left under the moonlight to later be consumed as prasad.
According to beliefs, leaving kheer out on the night of Sharad Purnima brings happiness and prosperity to the home, and grants blessings of health to family members. It is extremely important, however, to monitor the cleanliness and preservation of the kheer left overnight. It should be placed in clean utensils and covered with a net or lid to prevent dust and insects from getting in.
Sharad Purnima is considered a special day for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. In Kojagiri Purnima, there is a tradition in many regions to stay awake at night to worship the goddess. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi travels across the Earth on this night.
To perform worship, one must take a morning shower and purify the house and the place for rituals. In the evening, one should worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Flowers, incense, a lamp, and sweets are offered to the goddess. After this, one should recite mantras according to one's faith, wishing well-being and peace for the family.
After the moonrise, one can view the Moon and offer it arghya according to family traditions. The gifted kheer must be shared as prasad.
1. Offer kheer to Goddess Lakshmi: It is considered auspicious to offer kheer made from milk and rice to Goddess Lakshmi on the night of Sharad Purnima. After worship, it should be shared as prasad.
2. Recite the mantra of Goddess Lakshmi: During worship, one can recite the mantra 'Om Shrim Mahalakshmyai Namah'. According to religious beliefs, this promotes the desire for prosperity and well-being.
3. Give alms to the needy: On this day, one should donate food, grain, or clothing within one's means. Charity during the full moon has special significance in religious tradition.
4. Light a lamp in the house: In the evening, a lamp made of ghee or oil should be lit at the place of worship to honor Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that this maintains prosperity and positivity in the home.
5. Look at the Moon: There is a tradition of offering arghya to the Moon after its rise and praying for peace of mind. This can be done according to one's family beliefs.
Sharad Purnima is also associated with the play of Maharaja Krishna in Braj.
