Sharad Purnima 2025: India Celebrates the Auspicious Full Moon Night of Blessings and Prosperity

India is celebrating Sharad Purnima today, Monday, October 6, 2025, one of the most spiritually significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious occasion marks the night when the full moon is believed to be at its brightest and closest to Earth, radiating divine energy and blessings. Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima or Raas Purnima, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance across India. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, and is considered a night of regeneration, prosperity, and divine grace. According to Hindu mythology and spiritual traditions, this is the only night of the year when the moon showers its rays with all sixteen phases, known as "Kalas," making it exceptionally powerful. Devotees believe that bathing in moonlight on this night has healing properties and brings good fortune. Traditional celebrations include preparing kheer, a special rice pudding that is left under the moonlight overnight to absorb the moon's beneficial rays before being consumed as prasad. Many devotees observe night-long vigils, perform special prayers, and participate in cultural programs featuring devotional songs and dances. The festival is particularly significant for Lord Krishna devotees, as it commemorates the divine Raas Leela performed by Krishna with the gopis in Vrindavan. In many parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, grand celebrations with folk dances and traditional music mark this occasion. For farmers, Sharad Purnima signifies the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest period, making it a celebration of abundance and gratitude. The cool, pleasant weather of autumn adds to the festive atmosphere across the country. Cities across India are organizing special religious ceremonies and cultural events to mark this auspicious occasion. Temples are decorated, and devotees gather to witness the moonrise and participate in prayers seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.