Sharad Purnima 2026 Date: October 25 or 26? Check when to offer prayers, observe the full moon & leave kheer under moonlight

Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Ashwin. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon, with devotees observing fasts and preparing kheer, which is traditionally left under the moonlight as part of the rituals. In 2026, Sharad Purnima falls on Sunday, October 25.

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Sharad Purnima 2026 Date

Sharad Purnima 2026 will be celebrated on October 25th, Sunday 2026.

Sharad Purnima 2026 Timings

• Sharad Purnima Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
• Purnima Tithi Begins: October 25, 11:55 AM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: October 26, 9:41 AM
• Moonrise in New Delhi: October 25, 5:00 PM
• Kojagara Lakshmi Puja, Nishita Kaal: October 25, 11:40 PM to October 26, 12:31 AM

Sharad Purnima 2026 Significance

Sharad Purnima is an important Hindu festival celebrated across several parts of India. It is linked to the full moon, prayers for Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings and Lord Krishna’s divine Raas Leela.

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Sharad Purnima puja vidhi

Devotees traditionally clean their homes, worship Goddess Lakshmi, offer prayers to the Moon and prepare kheer as prasad. Many families place the kheer under the moonlight before consuming it. Customs differ by region and family tradition.

• Clean the home and puja area: Devotees clean their homes and decorate the puja space before beginning the rituals.
• Worship Goddess Lakshmi: Offer flowers, incense, sweets and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.
• Offer prayers to the Moon: Devotees worship Chandra Dev and offer prayers after moonrise as part of the traditional observances.
• Prepare rice kheer: Cook rice kheer as an offering and place it under the moonlight, following family and regional customs.
• Offer prasad: Offer the prepared kheer to the deities before distributing it among family members.
• Observe fasting: Some devotees observe a fast during the day and follow their family’s traditional rules for breaking it.
• Perform Lakshmi Puja: Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja and pray for wealth, prosperity and well-being.

Why is kheer prepared on Sharad Purnima?

One of the most popular Sharad Purnima traditions is preparing rice kheer and leaving it under the moonlight. According to Hindu beliefs, the moon’s rays on this night are associated with amrit, or nectar. The kheer is later offered as prasad and shared among family members.

Sharad Purnima 2026: When should you place kheer?

In 2026, the Purnima tithi will begin on October 25 and continue until the morning of October 26. Therefore, the night of October 25 is considered suitable for moon worship and placing kheer under the moonlight, while rituals such as bathing and donations may be performed on October 26, according to the applicable panchang and local traditions.