Tue Oct 15 17:14:57 UTC 2024: ## Sharad Purnima 2024: Moonlit Feast and Festive Rituals

This year, Sharad Purnima, the full moon of the Ashwin month, falls on October 16th, 2024. This auspicious day is marked by rituals like bathing, donating to charity, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.

**A Night of Blessings:**

According to Hindu beliefs, the moon is at its fullest and most powerful on Sharad Purnima, showering the earth with its celestial blessings. It is believed that the moon’s light holds a divine essence, making this night ideal for placing kheer (rice pudding) under the open sky. This practice is said to imbue the kheer with positive energy and make it auspicious.

**Timing of the Rituals:**

* **Full Moon Phase:** The full moon phase starts on October 16th, 7:59 PM and ends on October 17th, 5:34 PM.
* **Auspicious Bathing and Donations:** The best time to bathe and make donations is between 4:42 AM and 5:32 AM on October 16th. However, these activities can be performed at any time, except during Rahu Kaal (12:05 PM to 1:31 PM) and Bhadra (8:40 PM to 6:22 AM, October 17th).
* **Moonrise:** The moon rises on October 16th at 5:04 PM.
* **Kheer Offering:** It is auspicious to place the kheer outside after 8:40 PM on Sharad Purnima night.

**Significance of Kheer:**

Kheer, a sweet dish made with milk, rice, and sugar, is considered a sacred offering. It is believed that the moon’s light on Sharad Purnima transforms the milk into an elixir. This practice is also said to bring prosperity and good fortune.

**Disclaimer:** This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered a definitive guide. Consulting a religious expert is recommended before performing any rituals.

**Election News:**

The Election Commission of India is scheduled to announce the dates for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra Assembly elections today. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused the BJP of having prior knowledge of the election dates, alleging that the Election Commission is biased. Jharkhand has 81 assembly seats, while Maharashtra has 288.

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