Patna: Sharad Purnima, one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, will be observed on October 6. Traditionally, devotees prepare kheer, a sweet rice pudding, and leave it under the full moon overnight, believing that the moonlight infuses it with health, spiritual strength, and positive energy.
This year, however, the festival coincides with the Bhadra period, a time considered inauspicious according to Hindu astrology. Astrologer Dr Umashankar Mishra explained that no auspicious rituals should be performed during Bhadra Kaal, which on October 6 lasts until 10:53pm. Only after this time is it considered appropriate to place kheer under the moonlight.
“The Moon’s energy is believed to be at its peak during Sharad Purnima,” Dr Mishra said. “Exposing kheer to moonlight after Bhadra Kaal not only supports physical well-being but also provides mental and spiritual strength.”
The preparation is straightforward: kheer is cooked and placed in an open space or on a terrace, left overnight to absorb the moon’s rays, and consumed the following morning. Devotees believe this practice promotes health, prosperity, and mental peace, and also protects against negative energies.
Sharad Purnima, which marks the full moon of the Sharad (autumn) season, is also a time for meditation and worship. The centuries-old ritual of storing kheer in moonlight continues to be observed across India with enduring religious devotion.
