Wed Oct 16 03:41:16 UTC 2024: ## Sharad Purnima 2024: Moonrise Time, Kheer Significance, and Rituals

Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagara Purnima or Ras Purnima, is a significant festival in Hinduism. This year, it falls on October 16th, 2024 (Wednesday). The festival marks the day when the moon is believed to shine with all sixteen of its phases, showering the earth with Amrit (nectar).

**Moonrise and Rituals:**

* **Moonrise:** The moon will rise on October 16th, 2024 at 5:04 PM.
* **Auspicious Time for Bathing and Donation:** The best time to bathe and donate is between 4:42 AM and 6:22 AM on October 16th. One can also perform these rituals at other times, avoiding Rahu Kaal (12:05 PM – 1:31 PM) and Bhadra (8:40 PM to 6:22 AM on October 17th).
* **Kheer Offering:** The most auspicious time to offer kheer (rice pudding) under the moonlight is before 7:18 PM, during the Ravi Yoga period. If this time is not feasible, offering it before 8:40 PM is also acceptable, as Bhadra Kaal begins after this time.

**Significance of Kheer:**

It is believed that the moonlight on Sharad Purnima possesses healing properties, bestowing positive energy upon both the body and soul. Offering kheer under the moonlight is a traditional ritual, as it is believed that the lunar rays imbue the pudding with medicinal qualities.

**Celebrating Sharad Purnima:**

This festival is celebrated with various rituals, including:

* **Moon worship:** Devotees offer prayers to Chandra Dev (Moon God).
* **Kheer offering:** Kheer is offered to the moon and shared with family and friends.
* **Storytelling:** Stories of Lord Krishna and Radha are recounted.
* **Feasting:** People enjoy special meals and sweets.

Sharad Purnima is a time of celebration, purification, and spiritual awakening. It is an occasion to seek blessings and enjoy the beauty of the full moon.

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