The full moon of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar, Sharad Purnima, occurs at the beginning of the winter season. It's the only night of the year when the Moon appears in all of its 16 phases (Kalas). Each human attribute is connected with one Kala, according to Hindu beliefs, and the coming together of 16 Kalas on Sharad Purnima is a significant event. According to Drik Panchang, Lord Krishna was the full incarnation of Lord Vishnu, having been born with all sixteen Kala(s) while Lord Rama had just twelve Kala when he was born.
Sharad Purnima is also known as Sharad Poonam in Gujarat. It is celebrated as Raas Purnima in the Brij area of Uttar Pradesh, after Lord Krishna's maha raas, which took place on this night.
Preparing Kheer on this day has special significance:
Not only does the Moonshine with all sixteen Kala(s) on this day, but its rays also contain healing powers that nourish the body and spirit. On the day of Sharad Purnima, it is also said that the moonbeams drop nectar (Amrut). To take advantage of this miraculous phenomenon, Rice-Kheer, a popular Indian sweet dessert consisting of cow milk, rice, and sugar, is cooked and kept in the moonlight for the entire night on Sharad Purnima. Rice-Kheer, which is thought to be energised and strengthened by moonlight, is consumed in the morning.
Sharad Purnima Tithi this year:
Sharad Purnima started at 07.03 pm on October 19 and will finish at 08.26 pm on October 20 this year. Meanwhile, the Sharad Purnima Puja Nishta will begin at 11.41 p.m. on October 20 and end at 12.31 a.m.
