Sharad Purnima, the most radiant full moon of the Hindu calendar, will be observed on October 6–7, 2025. Among its many customs, one ritual stands out for its spiritual and cultural depth — preparing kheer (sweet rice pudding) and placing it under the moonlight overnight. But why is this done? What makes the moonlight on this night so special?
Let’s explore the significance behind this sacred ritual, its connection with the full moon, and the health and spiritual benefits believed to be associated with this centuries-old tradition.
The Divine Night of Sharad Purnima: Date and Significance
Sharad Purnima, also known as Ashwina Purnima or Kojagari Purnima, is the only night in the year when the moon is believed to shine with all sixteen kalas (divine qualities). These kalas represent the complete and perfect expression of lunar energy in Hindu tradition.
In 2025, the Purnima Tithi begins at 12:23 PM on October 6 (Monday) and ends at 9:16 AM on October 7 (Tuesday). While the fasting and moon puja rituals will be observed on October 6 evening, various festivals including Valmiki Jayanti, Mira Bai Jayanti, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, and Satyanarayana Katha will be celebrated on October 7.
Why Is Kheer Kept Under the Moonlight on Sharad Purnima?
The ritual of keeping kheer under the moonlight is deeply rooted in both spiritual belief and Ayurvedic wisdom. According to the Skanda Purana, the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is nectar-like (Amritmaya) and carries medicinal properties that can help balance the body’s energies, especially during the seasonal transition of Sharad Ritu (autumn).
Traditionally, devotees prepare kheer made with milk, rice, and sugar and place it in silver or earthen pots under the open sky. It is believed that the moon’s rays infuse the kheer with positive energy, transforming it into a sacred prasada. The next morning, this kheer is consumed by family members as a blessing for good health, long life, and spiritual well-being.
The practice also symbolises mental purity, emotional balance, and receptivity to divine grace — all qualities associated with the full moon.
Scientific and Health-Based Beliefs
From a holistic health perspective, moonlight exposure during Sharad Purnima is said to cool the body and aid digestion. According to Ayurveda, this is the time when the body is most prone to pitta dosha (heat imbalance), and moonlight can help restore internal balance.
The ingredients of kheer — especially milk and rice — are sattvic (pure), and when exposed to the calming energy of the moon, the dish is said to enhance mental clarity and physical vitality. This is why kheer kept under the full moon is not just food, but a spiritually charged offering.
Cultural Importance Across India
In different parts of India, this ritual takes on regional variations. In West Bengal, Odisha, and Maharashtra, the night is also celebrated as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, where devotees stay awake all night in devotion to Goddess Lakshmi. In Uttar Pradesh and Braj, it is known as Rasa Purnima, commemorating Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela with Radha and the gopis Yet, in all traditions, the moon-blessed kheer remains a central symbol of divine nourishment and celestial grace.
Spiritual Message of the Kheer Ritual
The act of preparing and offering kheer to the moon is symbolic of surrendering the fruits of your labour to the divine, and then receiving it back as grace. It’s a reminder that life’s blessings are amplified when aligned with nature’s rhythms — and what better night to tune into the cosmos than under the brightest moon of the year?
Final Thoughts
The practice of placing kheer under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is more than a ritual — it is a spiritual alignment with cosmic energy. It blends faith, health, devotion, and symbolism in a way that continues to be deeply meaningful for millions.
As you look up at the glowing moon on October 6, 2025, let it not be just a sight of beauty — but a moment of connection, a blessing from the heavens. And don’t forget to taste the divine kheer, enriched not only by moonlight but by centuries of tradition.