Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon night in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September or October). It marks the end of the monsoon season and the onset of the autumn season (Sharad). The term “Sharad” refers to the season of autumn, and “Purnima” signifies the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Significance:
- Harvest Festival: Sharad Purnima is often considered a harvest festival as it falls during the time when farmers reap the harvest of their summer crops, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
- Celebration of Goddess Lakshmi: It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, grace, and prosperity, descends to Earth and roams around on this night, bestowing blessings and prosperity upon those who are awake and engaged in virtuous activities.
- Rasa Lila of Lord Krishna: Sharad Purnima is closely associated with Lord Krishna and his divine love for Radha. According to mythology, it is believed that on this night, Lord Krishna performed the enchanting Rasa Lila, a divine dance with Radha and the Gopis.
Sharad Purnima Rituals and Celebrations:
- Fasting: Devotees observe a fast on Sharad Purnima and consume a special meal known as ‘Kheer’ (a sweet rice pudding) at night. It is believed that consuming this meal during the moonlit night is auspicious.
- Moon Gazing: People stay awake through the night and indulge in moon gazing. It is believed that the moon on this night has special healing properties and offers spiritual benefits.
- Offerings and Prayers: Devotees visit temples and make offerings of fruits, flowers, and other items to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. Special prayers and aarti ceremonies are conducted in temples.
- Cultural Events: Cultural events like dances, dramas, and performances depicting the life of Lord Krishna and Radha, especially the Rasa Lila, are organized in various parts of India. These events celebrate the divine love and devotion.
- Charity: Many people engage in acts of charity and donate to the needy, considering it as an auspicious way to seek blessings and goodwill.
Sharad Purnima is a time of joy, devotion, and spirituality, bringing together families and communities to celebrate the harvest season and the divine love of Lord Krishna. It is a day of gratitude, reflection, and seeking prosperity and blessings for the upcoming year.
Places to Visit This Sharad Purnima
While it is primarily observed as a night of worship and devotion, there are several famous places in India where one can witness grand celebrations and partake in the festivities during Sharad Purnima:
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, is a prime location to experience Sharad Purnima. Devotees throng the ghats along the River Ganges to offer prayers, perform rituals, and witness the spectacular sight of the full moon illuminating the night.
- Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Vrindavan, associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood and youth, celebrates Sharad Purnima with great enthusiasm. Devotees participate in ‘Rasa Lila’ (a traditional dance depicting Krishna’s love for Radha) and other cultural events. Temples are beautifully adorned, and the atmosphere is charged with devotion.
- Dwarka, Gujarat: Dwarka, believed to be Lord Krishna’s kingdom, observes Sharad Purnima with fervor. Pilgrims visit the Dwarkadhish Temple to seek blessings and participate in special prayers and processions, making it a memorable experience.
- Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is vibrant during Sharad Purnima. Devotees congregate at temples, especially the Dwarkadhish Temple and the Banke Bihari Temple, to celebrate the divine occasion with traditional rituals, prayers, and cultural events.
- Puri, Odisha: Puri, home to the famous Jagannath Temple, is another significant destination for Sharad Purnima celebrations. The temple hosts various rituals and ceremonies, and the Jagannath Rath Yatra (chariot procession) is a major highlight, attracting devotees from across the country.
- Delhi (ISKCON Temple): The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple in Delhi conducts special prayers, kirtans, and cultural programs on Sharad Purnima. Devotees gather to participate in these celebrations, experiencing a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: Jaipur, known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrates Sharad Purnima with grandeur. Traditional performances, folk dances, and bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna create a joyous and festive ambiance.
These renowned places in India provide an immersive and spiritually enriching experience during the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, allowing devotees to embrace the divine energy and seek blessings.