Sharad Purnima 2026 falls on Sunday, 25 October. Purnima Tithi runs from 11:57 AM on 25 October to 9:45 AM on 26 October, and moonrise in New Delhi is around 5:05 PM. On this night, the Moon is believed to shine with all 16 kalas. Devotees worship Chandra Dev, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna, and keep kheer under the moonlight overnight to be eaten as prasad the next morning.
While every full moon has its own importance in Vedic astrology, Sharad Purnima holds a special significance entirely. This night, which occurs in the Hindu month of Ashwin, is marked as the zenith of lunar energy – when the Moon God (Chandra Dev) is said to be at his strongest. As it is dedicated to Chandra Dev, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Krishna, Sharad Purnima is one of the most sacred nights in the cosmos to find peace of mind, clarity, and genuine abundance.
Whatever the goal you have at hand, be it to elevate your spiritual life, balance your finances, or some other goal in your life, here is your ultimate guide for Sharad Purnima 2026.
1. Important Muhurat & Moonrise Schedule
As local Panchang timings vary slightly depending on your location, here are the important astrological timings for you to consider while scheduling your evening fast and family prayer time:
| Astrological Event | Date & Local Time Window |
|---|---|
| Sharad Purnima Date | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 25 October 2026 at 11:57 AM |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 26 October 2026 at 09:42 AM |
| Moonrise Window | 5:05 PM |
Tip: Cross-check the precise sunrise and moonrise timings for your region on the local Panchang before breaking your fast or performing the puja.
City-wise Moonrise Times
| City | Sunset | Moonrise | Kojagara Puja (Nishita Kaal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 05:42 PM | 05:00 PM | 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM |
| Mumbai | 06:09 PM | 05:28 PM | 11:58 PM to 12:48 AM |
| Kolkata | 05:04 PM | 04:21 PM | 10:56 PM to 11:46 PM |
| Chennai | 05:45 PM | 05:04 PM | 11:29 PM to 12:18 AM |
| Bengaluru | 05:56 PM | 05:15 PM | 11:39 PM to 12:28 AM |
| Hyderabad | 05:48 PM | 05:07 PM | 11:35 PM to 12:25 AM |
| Ahmedabad | 06:06 PM | 05:25 PM | 11:59 PM to 12:49 AM |
| Pune | 06:06 PM | 05:25 PM | 11:54 PM to 12:44 AM |
| Jaipur | 05:50 PM | 05:08 PM | 11:46 PM to 12:37 AM |
| Lucknow | 05:29 PM | 04:47 PM | 11:25 PM to 12:16 AM |
Tip: Check the exact sunrise and moonrise timings for your city on the Panchang before breaking your fast or performing the puja.
2. Core Significance: What Makes This Night So Powerful?
The 16 Kalas of Chandra Dev: The Moon is believed to be the master of mind (Manas), emotions and inner peace. On Sharad Purnima, the Moon is said to shine with all 16 Kalas, making this the best night to sit in the moonlight and chant mantras to calm the mind.
Cash Flow & Prosperity: In the Vedic sense, the Moon is the Lord of all liquids, nourishment, and all liquid monetary forms. Worshipping Chandra Dev removes all your financial blocks, and you attain stability. (True wealth can only be attained through good financial planning alongside worship)
The Divine Maharaas: For the residents of Vrindavan and the Braj, this night is celebrated as the eternal day of Lord Krishna’s divine Maharaas with the Gopis- an ultimate celebration of love, devotion, and spiritual happiness.
Regional Traditions: Although this day is called by different names as per the regions, such as Sharad Poonam in Gujarat, Kojagara Purnima in certain states, and Kaumudi Vrat in others, it is regarded as equally favorable for commencing a year-long monthly Purnima Vrat.
3. The Classic Kheer Ritual (And Food Safety)
Preparing sweet rice pudding (Kheer) made with milk, rice, and Mishri (rock sugar) is a popular tradition of the night of Sharad Purnima.
- Place the Kheer under direct moonlight for a few hours, or until around midnight, so that it absorbs the Moon’s cooling rays, keeping it covered with a clean muslin cloth. Then refrigerate it, and the next morning offer it to Lord Krishna as Bhog before sharing it as Prasad with the family. Milk-based dishes should not be left at room temperature through the whole night.
Tip: Milk-based kheer left at room temperature for 10–12 hours can grow bacteria, especially in the warmer parts of India in late October, and the mesh-cloth tip only keeps out insects and dust.
4. Key Remedies for Peace & Lakshmi’s Blessings
- Chandra Mantra Alignment: After moonrise at 5:05 PM, sit in a quiet space and chant the Moon mantra using a crystal (Sphatik) mala: Om Som Somaya Namah (ॐसोमसोमायनमः)
- Goddess Lakshmi Supari Remedy: On the night of your Lakshmi Puja, take a betel nut (Supari) and wrap it in red holy thread (Roli). Apply Kumkum and unbroken rice (Akshat), and then recite the “Shreem” (श्रीं) mantra. Leave the Supari at your place of worship for the entire night, then place it somewhere safe and clean to attract money.
- Moonlight Meditation: Sit peacefully under the night sky for 15-20 minutes to calm the restlessness of your mind and refresh your exhausted mind.
Inviting Maa Lakshmi’s blessings this Kojagari night? Explore Shri Yantra
5. Rashi-Wise (Zodiac) Guidance for Sharad Purnima
- Aries (Mesh): Chant Chandra Mantras for mind stability and balance in your decision-making.
- Taurus (Vrishabha): Worship Goddess Lakshmi and start budgeting with discipline.
- Gemini (Mithun): Practice silence Meditation and mantra chanting to strengthen mental focus.
- Cancer (Kark): Pray to the Moon to bring peace and good fortune to your family.
- Leo (Simha): Pray to Lord Krishna for steady confidence and humility.
- Virgo (Kanya): Engage in worship as you set your career objectives to ease anxiety.
- Libra (Tula): Pray to Maa Lakshmi for moderation in your relationships and finances.
- Scorpio (Vrischika): Quietly chant Chandra Mantras to calm intense emotional waves.
- Sagittarius (Dhanu): Pray to Lord Krishna for spiritual awakening and the right direction in life.
- Capricorn (Makar): Integrate prayer with thinking through long-term career planning.
- Aquarius (Kumbh): Practice meditation and cultivate a positive outlook on life.
- Pisces (Meen): Offer prayers to Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi for the overall prosperity of your family.
These are general Rashi-based tips. For remedies based on your complete birth chart and Moon placement, Talk to an Astrologer
Conclusion
This Sharad Purnima, take a moment and rekindle your spiritual roots. Practice time-honoured remedies such as chanting mantras, keeping Kheer in the moonlight, and moonlight meditation, along with pragmatic self-discipline and financial prudence, to lay a strong foundation for your mind’s peace and prosperity.
FAQs
When is Sharad Purnima in 2026?
Sharad Purnima in 2026 falls on Sunday, 25 October.
What is the moonrise time in New Delhi on Sharad Purnima 2026?
The moonrise time in New Delhi on Sharad Purnima 2026 is around 5:05 PM.
What is the significance of Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima holds special significance as the night when the Moon shines with all 16 kalas, marking the zenith of lunar energy. It is dedicated to Chandra Dev, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Krishna, making it a sacred night for peace of mind, clarity, and abundance.
What ritual is performed with kheer on Sharad Purnima?
On Sharad Purnima, devotees prepare kheer, a sweet rice pudding, and leave it under the moonlight overnight to absorb lunar energy. It is eaten as prasad the next morning.
What are the regional names for Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is known by various names in different regions, such as Sharad Poonam in Gujarat, Kojagara Purnima in certain states, and Kaumudi Vrat in others.
