Festivals

Sharad Purnima Oct 30, 2020: What Is Its Significance?

Sharad Purnima is on October 30. The moon will rise at 4:29 pm. Its tithi will begin on October 30 at 5:45 pm and will end on October 31 at 8:81 pm.

Hindu devotees worship Lord Chandra or the moon god for health and happiness. The popular belief is that the Lord showers his devotees with wealth on this day. It is considered the most significant Purnima celebrated throughout the year, said a report in News18.

What happens on Sharad Purnima?

The moon shines with 16 kalas, the only day of the year when the moon opens all of its kalas. According to Hindu belief, kala is a part of the human personality. The more the kalas in a person, the more his qualities. A person with 16 kalas is considered perfect. Only Lord Krishna has 16 kalas, the report said.

What is the significance of the festival?

Hindus believe that the moon has healing properties and on Sharad Purnima, it gives out nectar in the form of healing moon rays. So devotees usually prepare a sweet dish, like kheer. It is left in the moonlight throughout the night and consumed by family members in the morning in the belief that it now contains all the healing properties and goodness from the moon, News18 reported.

Different names

It is called Kojagari Purnima in many regions and a fast called Kaumudi Vrat is observed on the day.

In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Brij, it is celebrated as ‘Raas Purnima’. It is said that Lord Krishna performed Maha-Raas on the day of Sharad Purnima and on its night, all the ‘gopis’ of Brij region came to dance with him. He is believed to have created Krishnas for all the ‘gopis’, the report added.