Sharad Purnima 2024 Date: Sharad Purnima, one of the most revered full moon days in the Hindu calendar, holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. Observed with devotion, this festival marks a night when the moon is believed to radiate all its sixteen Kalas (phases). In 2024, Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. This auspicious day is dedicated to the worship of the Moon God, Chandra, and is known for its unique traditions and rituals.
Sharad Purnima 2024: Date and Time
- Sharad Purnima: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
- Moonrise Time: 05:06 PM on October 16
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 08:40 PM on October 16, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 04:55 PM on October 17, 2024
Significance of Sharad Purnima 2024
The festival of Sharad Purnima is closely associated with the Moon God, Chandra, whose rays are believed to possess healing powers. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that the full moon on this day drips nectar, which can nourish both the body and the soul. In many regions, especially in Gujarat, the day is celebrated as Sharad Poonam.
One of the popular customs on this day is preparing a sweet dish known as Rice Kheer (made from cow’s milk, rice, and sugar) and placing it under the moonlight. The Kheer is left to absorb the moon’s nourishing rays overnight, and the next day, it is consumed as prasad (blessed food) and shared among family members.
The Divine Connection with Lord Krishna
In the Brij region, Sharad Purnima is also called Raas Purnima. It is believed that Lord Krishna performed the Maha-Raas, the divine dance of love, on this night with the Gopis (female devotees). The enchanting sound of Krishna’s flute drew the Gopis to him, and they danced together in the forests of Vrindavan. Mythologically, it is said that Krishna multiplied his form to dance with each Gopi individually, extending the night to last for billions of years, according to the divine time of Lord Brahma.
Kojagara Vrat and Rituals for Sharad Purnima 2024
Sharad Purnima is also known for the observance of the Kojagara Vrat, during which devotees stay awake all night to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The rituals and customs associated with this festival are as follows:
- Fasting: Devotees observe a day-long fast, refraining from food and water. The fast is typically broken after moonrise with Rice Kheer, a special dish prepared for the occasion.
- Moon Worship: During the evening puja, offerings like fruits, sweets, and rice are made to the Moon God. Devotees pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.
- Preparation of Rice Kheer: This traditional dish is prepared using cow’s milk, rice, and sugar and is left under the moonlight to absorb the healing rays of the moon.
- Kheer as Prasad: The next morning, the Kheer is eaten as prasad, and it is believed to bring healing and nourishment.
- Staying Awake: As part of the Kojagara Vrat, devotees remain awake through the night, chanting mantras and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna.
- Special Puja: A special evening puja is conducted, especially in households observing Kojagara Vrat, to invoke blessings for wealth and fortune.
Supermoon and Sharad Purnima 2024
Sharad Purnima often coincides with one of the brightest full moons of the year, sometimes referred to as a Supermoon. This enhances the magical and spiritual aura of the night. In 2024, this full moon is also known as the Hunter Moon, offering a spectacular view of the moonlit sky.
Fasting and Puja Vidhi for Sharad Purnima 2024
The fast observed on Sharad Purnima is believed to purify the body, mind, and soul. Devotees refrain from eating or drinking throughout the day, offering prayers in the evening when the moon rises. During the puja, fruits, sweets, and rice are offered to the deities, and special hymns and mantras are chanted to seek divine blessings. The festival is not just about the moon’s beauty but also a time to receive spiritual and physical nourishment from the divine.
Conclusion: A Night of Blessings and Devotion
Sharad Purnima is a festival that symbolizes healing, prosperity, and divine connection. Whether participating in the traditional rituals, observing the Kojagara Vrat, or enjoying the magical moonlight, this festival brings joy and spiritual fulfillment. The Sharad Purnima 2024 date marks a day filled with devotion, celebration, and the promise of blessings from the Moon God and Goddess Lakshmi. Don’t miss the opportunity to partake in this divine event and bask in the healing moonlight of Sharad Purnima.