Sharad Purnima 2024: When is Sharad Purnima? Check Date, Time and Details

Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is celebrated on October 16, 2024. The festival marks the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Purnima Tithi starts at 8:40 pm on October 17 and ends at 4:55 pm. This night is believed to bring prosperity and blessings to believers.

Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is an important Hindu festival marking the full moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (September-October).

Sharad Purpura, also known as the Harvest Moon, is celebrated across India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. It occurs on a full moon night and marks the end of the monsoon season.

This year, Harvest Moon will be celebrated on October 16, 2024. Purnima Tithi (full moon) starts at 8:40 pm that day and ends at 4:55 pm on October 17. The moonrise of Sharad Purnima is expected to take place on October 16 at 5:13 pm.

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key details

Sharad Purnima 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16. Here are the main details:

Source: Punjab Kesari

date and time

  • Purnima Tithi starts: October 16, 2024 at 8:40 pm
  • Purnima Tithi Ends: October 17, 2024 at 4:55 pm
  • Moonrise: October 16, 2024 at 5:13 pm

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 in all 16 karas (moon phases) on this night, symbolizing perfection and prosperity.

ceremony

  • Kheer Preparation: Traditional rice pudding (kheer) is prepared and preserved under moonlight to absorb its beneficial properties.
  • Worship: Devotees perform rituals to seek Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings of wealth and prosperity.
  • Kojagari Vrat: Many people observe fast and stay up all night to honor the goddess.

cultural practices

The night is celebrated with decorations, offerings, and community gatherings. Special rangoli patterns are made and food is offered to the deities.

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What are the key differences between Sharad Purnima and other full moon celebrations?

Sharad Purnima is a unique full moon celebration with unique features that distinguish it from other full moon festivals. Here are the main differences:

Timing and context

  • Sharad Purnima: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvan (September-October), it marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of autumn.
  • Other Full Moon Celebrations: Different cultures and religions celebrate the full moon at different times, often related to agricultural cycles or the lunar calendar, such as the Buddhist Vesak Festival or the Chinese Lantern Festival.

cultural significance

  • Sharad Purnima: Mainly recognized in Hindu tradition, it is associated with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, prosperity and the Raas Leela performed by Lord Krishna with the gopis (milkmaids). It is also known as Kojagiri Purnima, which emphasizes the theme of awakening and vigilance.
  • Other Purnima Festivals: Different celebrations may focus on different deities or themes. For example, Vesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha, while other cultures may honor nature or ancestral spirits.

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 up all night to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
  • Other Full Moon Celebrations: Ceremonies can vary widely; for example, during Vesak, people light lanterns and meditate, while other cultures may celebrate with feasts or public gatherings.

symbolism

  • Sharad Purnima: Night is believed to possess all the sixteen phases (kala), symbolizing completeness and divine blessings. It is considered a time of spiritual cleansing and community connection.
  • Other Full Moon Celebrations: The symbolism may vary; for example, in some traditions, the full moon represents fertility or renewal rather than a specific divine interaction.

Regional differences

  • Sharad Purnima: While it is celebrated across India, it has regional names and customs (such as Kumar Purnima in Odisha) but generally retains its core meaning associated with harvest and divine blessings.
  • Other Full Moon Celebrations: Each culture may have its own unique interpretations and customs of the full moon, influenced by local beliefs and traditions.

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What is the scientific reason behind the tradition of preserving food under moonlight?

The tradition of keeping food, especially kheer (a rice pudding) under the moonlight during Sharad Purnima, has both cultural and scientific implications. Here are key points about the scientific basis for this practice:

Therapeutic benefits of moonlight:

It is believed that the moon emits special healing waves, especially on Sharad Purnima, which is closest to the earth. These waves are thought to improve the nutritional quality of moonlight foods, making them more beneficial to health.

Nutritional enhancement:

The cooling effect of moonlight enhances the nutritional properties of food. It is believed that by exposing hare to moonlight, it is given additional nutritional qualities, which can have a positive impact on health and well-being.

Biochemical reactions:

Some studies suggest that the interaction of moonlight with certain foods can promote beneficial biochemical reactions. For example, when exposed to moonlight, the lactic acid in milk may increase beneficial bacteria, potentially enhancing digestive health and overall health. 23

Symbolic and spiritual connections:

In addition to the physical benefits, this practice symbolizes a connection to cosmic forces and nature’s gifts. Consuming milk “blessed” by moonlight is seen as a way to bring prosperity and health into one’s life.

Cultural beliefs:

Traditionally, the energy of the full moon is believed to rejuvenate the body and spirit. This belief is consistent with various cultural practices that emphasize the importance of lunar cycles in influencing human health and behavior.

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