Tue Oct 15 16:01:07 UTC 2024: ## Sharad Purnima 2024: Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings and the Sweetness of Moonlit Kheer

The auspicious Hindu festival of Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagiri Purnima or Ras Purnima, will be celebrated on **October 16, 2024**. This full moon night is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Purnima Tithi begins at 8:41 PM on Wednesday, October 16th and ends at 4:53 PM on Thursday, October 17th. The moonrise will be at 5:05 PM on the 16th. The most auspicious time for Lakshmi puja is between 11:42 PM and 12:32 AM.

The night is believed to be particularly sacred, with the moonlight possessing healing and purifying properties. A tradition involves preparing kheer (rice pudding) and placing it under the moonlight. This kheer is then consumed, symbolizing the absorption of the moon’s blessings. The kheer is also offered as prasad to Goddess Lakshmi.

Sharad Purnima holds significance for worshipping both Lakshmi and the moon, signifying prosperity and tranquility. The rituals involve bathing, wearing clean clothes, and offering prayers to Lakshmi, Vishnu, and the moon. The puja is performed with offerings of water, milk, rice, flowers, incense, lamps, camphor, and kheer.

The festival is a time for seeking blessings, practicing gratitude, and celebrating the beauty of nature.

Read More