Sharad Purnima 2021: Significance and fasting tips

Sharad Purnima is one of the most important full moon evenings in the Hindu calendar. This year Sharad Purnima is on October 19. It is celebrated on Purnima (full moon night) in the month of Ashvin (September/October) during the Sharad Ritu (season). Moonlight or ‘Kojagari Purnima’ is another name for this festival. In many parts of India, ‘Sharad Poonam’ is celebrated as a harvest festival and the start of the winter season following the monsoon.

Sharad Poonam is a spiritual celebration that honors the Moon when it is at its fullest. On this day, the Moon appears in all of its 16 Kalas. According to Indian astrology, each Kala represents a human characteristic, and a combination of all ’16 Kalas’ creates a complete personality. Lord Krishna is said to have been born with all sixteen Kalas. On this day, devotees make Kheer and place the bowl of this delectable dish in the moonlight to absorb all of the moon’s positive and heavenly energies. The next day, this Kheer is served as Prasad to everyone.

On Sharad Purnima Festival, newlywed ladies are initiated into Purnimasi Vrat, which involves fasting on all full moon nights. Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is also remembered on this day. Even if there is no ‘Lakshmi Yoga’ in one’s birth chart or horoscope, it is said that if one worships ‘Goddess Lakshmi’ all night while fasting on Sharad Purnima, one will be blessed with immense wealth and happiness. Sharad Purnima is most commonly known in Gujarat as ‘Sharad Poonam’.

Fasting Tips

On Sharad Purnima, women get up early in the morning and make a fasting pledge. Following that, a shower in a holy river or pool is recommended. During the worship, offer Gandha, Akshat, Tambul, Deep, Flowers, Dhoop, Supari, and Dakshina to the Lord. Fasting can be observed on Sharad Purnima by having fruits and water. Only Satvik meals should be consumed today. Today, wearing dark clothing should be avoided. Wearing a white dress is considered auspicious.