Sharad Purnima is the night when even the moon bows before divine love. The life of Shri Krishna teaches us the true meaning of love, devotion and surrender, as his very existence is an expression of eternal love. Krishna devotees eagerly wait throughout the year to celebrate this auspicious occasion and deepen their connection with the Lord.
The night of Sharad Purnima is considered one of the most sacred and beautiful times to cherish the eternal bond between the devotee and the divine. It is also associated with Shri Krishna’s divine Raas Leela, which celebrates the pure and selfless love of the Lord and his devotees. This blog explores the sacred stories associated with Sharad Purnima, the rituals and practices to follow on this day, and how ISKCON celebrates this divine occasion.
What is Sharad Purnima / Raas Purnima?
Sharad Purnima is the full moon night of the month of Ashwin, arriving just as the rains fade and gentle autumn begins. The air is soft, the skies are clear, and the moon shines beautifully.
Across India, it carries many loving names, such as Kojagiri Purnima and Kumar Purnima. For devotees of Krishna, it is most dear as Raas Purnima, the night our beloved Lord revealed His sweetest pastime, the Raas Lila, on the banks of the Yamuna.
Sharad Purnima 2026 Date & Moon Time
Sharad Purnima 2026 is observed on the night of Sunday, 26th October. The Purnima tithi begins at 11:55 AM IST on 25 October and ends at 9:41 AM IST on 26 October. The Sharad Purnima moon time is around 5:30 to 5:50 PM, varying by city, and some calendars mark 26 October as the observance day. Please confirm the temple's festival programme before you visit.
The Story of Krishna's Raas Lila
The Raas Lila is more than just a story. According to ISKCON's teachings, Krishna is the Supreme Lord, and the gopis represent pure love and devotion towards Him. Their bond with Krishna shows the beauty of selfless love and complete devotion to the divine. Their relationship is pure and transcendental, far above any of the worldly joy.
Krishna's Flute and the Gopis' Call
Srimad Bhagavatam tells us that Krishna saw the autumn night fragrant with blooming jasmine flowers and turned His mind toward loving pastimes. The full moon rose, filling the forest with a soft glow, and Krishna lifted His flute.
When the gopis heard Krishna’s flute, they felt a strong desire to be near Him. Some were milking cows, others were feeding their children or getting dressed. But as soon as they heard the music, they left their work and rushed towards Krishna. Even when their families tried to stop them, their love for Krishna was too strong. Those who could not leave their homes closed their eyes and prayed to Him with deep devotion. Through their pure love and prayers, they too felt connected to Krishna.
Raas Panchadhyaya
These five chapters are known as the Raas Panchadhyaya and are considered the heart of the Bhagavatam. In Chapter 29, Krishna tests the devotion of the gopis. They express their pure love, calling Him their dearest friend and the one who lives in every heart. Pleased by their devotion, Krishna welcomes them.
Soon, the gopis become proud of Krishna’s attention, and He disappears to teach them true devotion. They search for Him, singing with deep love, until Krishna returns. In Chapter 33, the divine Raas Lila begins. Krishna takes many forms so that each gopi feels He is dancing beside her. As dawn approaches, He lovingly asks them to return home.
Why Sharad Purnima Matters: Devotion Over Material Desire
The Bhagavatam closes this pastime with a promise. Whoever hears or describes it with faith attains pure devotion to the Lord and becomes sober, free from lust. Srila Prabhupada explains that worldly romance is only a faint reflection of this spiritual love, and that hearing about Krishna's pastimes lifts the heart toward the real essence of love.
Today, many of us feel hurried, unseen and restless. The Raas Lila answers that ache. It shows that the Lord personally reciprocates with every heart that approaches Him sincerely. The gopis wanted nothing for themselves, but they only wanted Krishna's joy. That selfless love is the treasure ISKCON invites everyone to cherish through hearing, and chanting.
Sharad Purnima Kheer: Tradition & Meaning
Kheer is a sweet preparation of milk and rice. In Vrindavan, devotees offer it under the moonlight on this night and later share it as prasadam. In many homes, the kheer is first offered to God and then kept under the moon overnight, in the belief that the moonbeams carry nectar.
At ISKCON, the meaning is simple and sweet: we cook with love, offer to Krishna first, and receive His mercy as prasadam. Sharing it with family and friends turns an ordinary sweet into a blessing.
How Sharad Purnima is Celebrated Across India
In Vrindavan, Mathura and Braj, the night is known as Raas Purnima and is celebrated with devotional singing and Raas performances. In Gujarat, Garba is danced under the moonlight, while in Bengal, Assam and Tripura it is Kojagari Purnima, with worship of Goddess Lakshmi. In Odisha, it is Kumar Purnima. In Maharashtra, Kojagiri means "who is awake," and families stay up through the night in prayer, with kheer resting in the moonlight.
Sharad Purnima Celebration at ISKCON Bhiwandi
At the temple of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Raas Purnima is celebrated with joyful bhajans and kirtans, along with discourses on the Raas Lila. The Deities are adorned in new attire with decorations of the moon and stars, and kheer is shared as prasadam. The next day begins the holy month of Kartik, which is dear to Srimati Radharani.
You are warmly invited to our family at ISKCON Bhiwandi, Hare Krishna Hill, Mansarovar, Bhiwandi. Daily darshan is from 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, with Sandhya Aarti at 7:00 PM, though timings may change on special occasions. Come once, and you will feel why so many call this place home. Join us for kirtan, hear the pastimes of Krishna, and taste the sweet prasadam, and let this Sharad Purnima become the beginning of a lifelong, loving friendship with the Lord and His devotees.
FAQs
Is fasting required on Sharad Purnima?
Customs differ from home to home. Many families keep a night vigil, and some observe a fast. In Krishna consciousness, the heart of the day is hearing, chanting and remembering Krishna, so we suggest following the guidance of the temple and your spiritual well-wishers.
What is the difference between Sharad Purnima and Kojagiri Purnima?
They are the same full moon night of Ashwin. Kojagiri Purnima is the name used in many regions, especially where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped while staying awake through the night.
Who are the gopis in Krishna's Raas Lila?
The gopis are the cowherd women of Vrindavan who are Krishna's dearest devotees. In ISKCON's understanding, they are spiritual and pure, the highest examples of selfless love.
What should devotees chant or read on Sharad Purnima?
Chant the Hare Krishna maha mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. You may also read the Raas Panchadhyaya, Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10, chapters 29 to 33, for in-depth knowledge.
