Sharad Purnima 2024: Why is it celebrated? Know date, significance and more

Sharad Purnima is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated across the country. It is believed that on this day, nectar rains from the rays of the moon

Sharad Purnima, celebrated with immense devotion, is one of the most significant full moon days (Purnima) as per the Hindu calendar. This year, the auspicious festival will be celebrated on October 16, 2024. 

Sharad Purnima has special importance in Hindu tradition as this is the only day of the year when the moon appears in its full glory, radiating with sixteen Kala (phases).

Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who was born with all sixteen Kala while Lord Rama was born with twelve.

Why is Sharad Purnima celebrated?

This festival is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Ashwin month. It is believed that on this day nectar rains from the rays of the moon. Therefore, on the night of the Purnima, Kheer is kept in the moonlight as it is believed that consuming it after being kept in moonlight brings peace, happiness and prosperity to the house. Apart from this, lighting a lamp on this occasion relieves people from all the troubles of life and for this reason, the festival of Sharad Purnima is celebrated. 

Sharad Purnima 2024: Significance

The Hindu festival Sharad Purnima is related to the worship of God Moon, called Chandra. According to Hindu tradition, newlywed women vow to observe the Purnimasi fast for the entire year that begins with this day.

The festival is also known as Raas Purnima in the Brij region, commemorating the night when Lord Krishna performed Maha-Raas, the divine dance of love. To accompany Gopi, Krishna is believed to have created his multiple forms and supernaturally extended the night to last as long as one night of Lord Brahma, equivalent to billions of human years.

How is Sharad Purnima celebrated?

Here's how Sharad Purnima is being celebrated:

Lakshmi Puja: Devotees perform special prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings of prosperity and wealth, and stay awake throughout the night to invite her blessings.

Kheer Ritual: Kheer (sweet rice pudding) is prepared and placed under the moonlight, as it is believed that the moon’s rays on this night infuse the food with healing properties.

Raas Leela: In places like Vrindavan, the Raas Leela of Lord Krishna with the Gopis is reenacted, and people gather to sing, dance, and celebrate his divine love.

Cultural Gatherings: Families and friends gather for night-time activities like singing devotional songs, storytelling, and enjoying festive foods together under the full moon.

Sharad Purnima 2024: Top 20 wishes

Here are the 20 wishes to share on Sharad Purnima:

• "May the full moon of Sharad Purnima brighten your life with endless joy and prosperity. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "Wishing you a night filled with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and the beauty of the full moon. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "May the moonlight of Sharad Purnima bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to your life. Happy Kojagiri Purnima!"
• "May the divine rays of the full moon bless you with good health, wealth, and happiness. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "On this special night of Sharad Purnima, may your life be filled with love, light, and blessings. Have a blessed Purnima!"
• "May the celestial light of the full moon shower you with health and happiness. Happy Sharad Purnima to you and your family!"
• "Wishing you a serene and peaceful Sharad Purnima. May you be blessed with the beauty and grace of the full moon."
• "May Goddess Lakshmi visit your home and fill it with abundance and love on this Sharad Purnima. Happy Kojagiri Purnima!"
• "May the brightness of the full moon guide you towards new opportunities and endless success. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "May the divine moonlight fill your life with positivity and strength. Wishing you a very Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "On this auspicious night of Sharad Purnima, may you be blessed with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Happy Purnima!"
• "Let the moonlight of Sharad Purnima wash away all your worries and bring peace to your heart. Happy Kojagiri Purnima!"
• "May the beauty of the full moon fill your heart with joy and your home with happiness. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "Wishing you a night filled with the blessings of the moon and the warmth of your loved ones. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "May the moon’s rays on this Sharad Purnima bring sweetness to your life and fill it with positivity. Happy Purnima!"
• "As the moonlight blesses the Earth on this special night, may you be blessed with all things beautiful in life. Happy Sharad Purnima!"
• "May the full moon of Sharad Purnima inspire you to reach new heights and achieve all your dreams. Happy Purnima!"
• "On this Sharad Purnima, may your life be filled with the glow of the full moon and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Happy Kojagiri Purnima!"
• "Wishing you love, light, and joy on this auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima. May you be blessed always!"
• "May this Sharad Purnima bring along good luck, good health, and happiness that lasts forever. Happy Sharad Purnima to you and your family!"