New Delhi: Sharad Purnima, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, is set to be observed on October 16, 2024. Falling on the full moon day of the Ashwin month, this day is celebrated with great reverence across India. The festival is believed to be highly auspicious, offering devotees an opportunity to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and the Moon God.

This year, Sharad Purnima begins on October 16 at 08:40 PM and ends on October 17 at 04:55 PM, as per the Hindu calendar. The festival will be celebrated on October 16, based on Udaya Tithi (the day of sunrise). A key ritual associated with this day is the consumption of kheer (a traditional rice pudding) under the moonlight. According to beliefs, this practice is said to cure diseases and bring prosperity into the household.

The Importance of Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima holds special significance in the Hindu faith. Coming after the conclusion of Sharadiya Navratri, this day is marked as a time of divine blessings. The full moon on Sharad Purnima is believed to shine with all its 16 phases, showering the Earth with nectar-like rays. Devotees believe that performing worship and rituals on this day brings good fortune, peace, and prosperity.

What Not to Donate on Sharad Purnima

While Sharad Purnima is a day for auspicious donations, certain items are advised to be avoided. According to religious traditions:

Salt: Donating salt on this day is considered inauspicious. Salt is thought to represent negative energy, and giving it away can invite challenges in life.

Curd: Similarly, curd should not be donated on this day, as it is said to increase bitterness and sourness in life.

Auspicious Donations on Sharad Purnima

On the other hand, Sharad Purnima is a day when certain donations are believed to bring special blessings. These include:

Kheer: It is considered highly auspicious to eat kheer under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima. Donating this dish is believed to eliminate diseases and invite prosperity.

Rice and Jaggery: Donating rice and jaggery is also seen as a way to attract good fortune.

This Sharad Purnima, devotees across the country are expected to perform rituals with devotion, making donations that are believed to bring them closer to divine blessings.