Sign InJoin as AstrologerConsult an Astrologer
Festival Calendar

Sharad Purnima 2016

The moon of nectar — kheer left in moonlight on Ashvin Purnima.

Sharad Purnima 2015Sharad Purnima 2017
Looking for this year? See when Sharad Purnima 2026 falls
Sharad Purnima 2016 date
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Tithi: Ashvin Purnima
Tithi window: 01:28 PM, Saturday, 15 October 2016 → 09:58 AM, Sunday, 16 October 2016
See the full panchang for Sunday, 16 October 2016

Muhurat & timings

Kashi/IST · astronomically computed
  • Sankalp (sunrise)05:56
  • Sunset17:30
  • Fasting window (tithi)2016-10-15 · 13:28 → 09:58
  • Parana (tithi ends)09:58

Festival days follow the classical attribution rules — udaya (sunrise), pradosha (evening), nishita (midnight), madhyahna or aparahna vyapini as each festival prescribes — computed for Kashi/Varanasi (IST). Regional observance can differ by a day in some years.

Read the Sharad Purnima puja vidhi, vrat rules and katha

Sharad Purnima — Frequently Asked Questions

Why is kheer left under the moon on Sharad Purnima?

The Ashvin full moon is held to rise with all sixteen kalas and its light to carry amrita. Kheer left open in that light overnight is believed to absorb it and become a healing prasad eaten at dawn.

What does Kojagari mean?

It is from 'ko jagarti' — 'who is awake?' Lakshmi is believed to move through the world that night asking this, blessing those she finds keeping vigil. Staying awake in worship is the heart of the vow.

Is Sharad Purnima connected to Krishna?

Yes — in the Braj tradition it is the night of the maha-raas, when Krishna danced with the gopis under the autumn moon. It is celebrated with raas songs alongside the moon and Lakshmi worship.

Other major festivals in 2016