Full Moon Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima is the full moon of the autumn (Sharad) season, celebrated across North and Central India with special reverence for Lord Krishna. It is also known as Raas Purnima, as this is the night Krishna is said to have performed the divine Raas Leela (cosmic dance) with the Gopis in Vrindavan. The Bhagavata Purana describes Krishna playing his flute under this full moon, drawing all the Gopis to dance with him in an ecstatic circle throughout the night. In spiritual terms, the Raas Leela represents the soul's yearning for union with the divine. Devotees keep kheer under moonlight to receive its healing Amrit rays and consume it at midnight.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Sharad Purnima marks the night of Krishna's Maha Raas Leela — the most sacred of his divine dances, symbolizing the union of the individual soul (Jivatma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). The moon on this night is believed to be sixteen-phased (Shodash Kala Sampurna), its rays possessing Amrit qualities that heal body and mind.
Rituals & Traditions
Night-long Raas Leela performances in Vrindavan, Mathura, and Braj region. Keep kheer in moonlight and consume it at midnight. Recite or listen to the Rasa Panchadhyayi (five chapters of Bhagavata Purana describing Raas Leela). Offer tulsi and flowers to Krishna. Fast during the day and break it with the moonlit kheer.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is the full moon of the autumn (Sharad) season, celebrated across North and Central India with special reverence for Lord Krishna. It is also known as Raas Purnima, as this is the night Krishna is said to have performed the divine Raas...
Q.What is the significance of Sharad Purnima?
Sharad Purnima marks the night of Krishna's Maha Raas Leela — the most sacred of his divine dances, symbolizing the union of the individual soul (Jivatma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). The moon on this night is believed to be sixteen-phased (Shodash Kala Sampurna), its rays possessing Amrit qualities that heal body and mind.
Q.What are the rituals of Sharad Purnima?
Night-long Raas Leela performances in Vrindavan, Mathura, and Braj region. Keep kheer in moonlight and consume it at midnight. Recite or listen to the Rasa Panchadhyayi (five chapters of Bhagavata Purana describing Raas Leela). Offer tulsi and flowers to Krishna. Fast during the day and break it with the moonlit kheer.
Q.What foods are made during Sharad Purnima?
Kheer, Panchamrit, Panjiri, Mishri, Makhana Prasad