Sharad Purnima 2026: In Hinduism, Sharad Purnima is considered a highly significant occasion. In 2026, it will be celebrated on Sunday, October 25th. This full moon holds special importance within the Hindu tradition; it is customary to worship Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon God (Chandra Dev) on this day. It is believed that on the night of Sharad Purnima, the moon shines in its full glory, possessing all 16 of its phases (kalas), and its moonlight is considered akin to nectar (amrit).

There is also a tradition of placing kheer (a sweet rice pudding) under the open sky on this night. Let us explore the rituals, the legend (*katha*), and the timing for placing the *kheer* for the Sharad Purnima observance.

The Purnima Tithi (full moon phase) will begin at 11:55 AM on October 25th and will continue until 9:41 AM on October 26th. Since the full moon night falls on October 25th, the festival of Sharad Purnima is being celebrated on that day.

 Sharad Purnima Puja Vidhi

On the day of Sharad Purnima, wake up during the *Brahma Muhurta* (the auspicious early morning hours), bathe, meditate, and put on clean clothes.
Clean the place of worship thoroughly and set up a small platform (chowki).
Place images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu on the platform.
Prepare the necessary items for worship, such as roli (vermilion), sandalwood paste, yellow or red flowers, *akshat* (unbroken rice grains), a *diya* (lamp), betel leaves, betel nuts, and fruits.
Begin by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Afterward, chant the mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Offer *kheer* to Goddess Lakshmi as *bhog* (a ritual food offering).
Recite the legend (katha) associated with Sharad Purnima.
Conclude the worship by performing the *aarti* of Goddess Lakshmi.
The *kheer* can then be distributed as *prasad*. Sharad Purnima 2026:

 Sharad Purnima shubh muhurat

– Sharad Purnima: October 25, 2026
– Purnima Tithi (Full Moon phase) begins: October 25, 11:55 AM
– Purnima Tithi (Full Moon phase) ends: October 26, 9:41 AM
– Moonrise: Around 5:00 PM in Delhi

Why is ‘Kheer’ placed out on the night of Sharad Purnima?
One of the most significant traditions is placing ‘Kheer’—a dish made from milk, rice, and sugar—under the moonlight. It is kept in a clean vessel and left exposed to the light of the moon. According to religious belief, ‘amrit’ (nectar) rains down from the moon’s rays on the night of Sharad Purnima. Because of this belief, ‘Kheer’ placed under the moonlight is considered special. When leaving the ‘Kheer’ out in the open, ensure cleanliness and keep it covered to prevent insects from falling into it.