| Sharad Purnima | |
|---|---|
 Idols of Kojagori Lakshmi, a form of goddess Lakshmi worshipped on this day | |
| Also called | Kumara Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, Navanna Purnima, Kojagrat Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima |
| Observed by | Hindus |
| Celebrations | Worshipping, offering flowers and dishes to deities, dancing |
| Date | Ashvin māsa Purnima tithi (Oct 28, 2023)[1] |
| Frequency | Annual |
Sharad Purnima (also known as Kumara Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, Navanna Purnima,[2] Kojagrat Purnima[3] or Kaumudi Purnima[3]) is a religious festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September to October), marking the end of the monsoon season.[4] The full moon night is celebrated in different ways in various cultural regions across Indian subcontinent.
On this day, many Hindu divine pairs like Radha Krishna, Shiva Parvati and Lakshmi Narayana are worshipped along with the Chandra, the moon deity, and are offered flowers and kheer (sweet dish made of rice and milk).[4] Deities in temples are usually dressed in white color signifying the brightness of moon. Many people observe full day fasting on this night.
- ^ Oct 30 for some traditions, see section on India
- ^ Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Ahmednagar. Director of Government Printing, Stationery and Publications, Maharashtra State. 1976. p. 282.
- ^ a b "आज कोजाग्रत पूर्णिमा, दशैंको समापन गरिँदै". Online Khabar (in Nepali). Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ a b Melton, J. Gordon (13 September 2011). Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations. ABC-CLIO. p. 798. ISBN 978-1-59884-205-0.