On 6 October 2025, Sharad Purnima will be observed. Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar, and it also marks the beginning of the winter season.
It is the only night of the year when the Moon appears in all of its 16 phases (Kalas). According to Hindu beliefs, each human attribute is connected with one Kala, and the coming together of 16 Kalas on Sharad Purnima is considered a significant event. As per Drik Panchang, Bhagwan Krishna was the complete incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, born with all sixteen Kalas, while Bhagwan Rama was born with twelve Kalas.
Sharad Purnima is also known as Sharad Poonam in Gujarat and is celebrated as Raas Purnima in the Brij region of Uttar Pradesh.
Preparing kheer on this day has special significance. Not only does the Moon shine with all sixteen Kalas on this day, but its rays are also believed to contain healing powers that nourish both body and spirit. It is said that on Sharad Purnima, the moonbeams drop nectar (Amrut). To benefit from this divine phenomenon, rice-kheer, a popular sweet made with milk, rice, and sugar, is cooked and kept under the moonlight for the entire night. By morning, the rice-kheer is believed to be energized and enriched by the moonlight and is then consumed as prasad.
How RSS celebrates Sharad Purnima
Notably, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also celebrates this festival. On this day, swayamsevaks gather at the Sangh Sthan at around 8 PM. The programme includes kabaddi, kho-kho, and singing of patriotic songs. Games like antakshari are also organised.
Afterwards, the kheer kept in the moonlight is distributed among swayamsevaks as prasad. On this occasion, a Sangh official delivers a bauddhik. In addition, amrit vachan and solo geets are also held. By observing Sharad Purnima, the Sangh aims to connect modern generations with the timeless heritage of Bharat.
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