Sharad Poornima

Sharad Poornima is celebrated on the full moon day in the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar. The festival is associated with several Hindu gods in different parts of India. For instance, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on this day; it is also associated with the beginning of Lord Krishna's Raas-Leela with the gopis. The Goddess is believed to descend on earth to bless the devotees and therefore 'kheer' or a rice pudding is prepared. The kheer is placed under the moonlight overnight in the belief that the full moon emits an elixir, thus charging it with healing properties. It is distributed as 'Prasad' or offering the next day.

This age-old tradition of the Hindu community is both historically and scientifically significant.

Contributed By :

Vinay Dubey