Sharad Purnima 2020 is being celebrated on October 30 this year. The day is significant for Hindus as it marks the auspicious beginning of Autumn. The full moon day is considered to be divine and is also known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
Time: The full moon day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month starts from 05.45 pm on October 30 and shall continue till 8:18 am on the next day on October 31.
Significance
It is believed that Sharad Purnima is the only day in the year when the moon comes out with all sixteen Kala.
It is believed that those who worship Lord Chandra on the day of Sharad Purnima are blessed with health, wealth & happiness
Moon rays on Sharad Purnima day have certain healing properties which nourish our body, mind and soul. Hence, in Indian tradition, rice kheer is prepared and is kept under open sky in the moonlight.
Next day, kheer is distributed as prashad. Also, in certain parts of India, women put threads in the needle looking at the moonlight which they believe will sharpen their eyesight.
Stories associated with Sharad Purnima
During the Dwapar Yuga, Lakshmi incarnated as Radha at the time of Lord Krishna’s birth. Also Lord Krishna’s Raslila is believed to have started on Sharad Purnima. Next Kartikeya was born on this auspicious day of Sharad Purnima and that’s why it is known as Kumar Purnima by many people.