When is Sharad Purnima 2026? Sharad Purnima falls on the full moon (Purnima) day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Ashvin. This year, the Ashvin Purnima Tithi begins at 11:55 AM on October 25 and continues until 9:41 AM on October 26. Based on the *Udayatithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), Ashvin Purnima falls on October 26. This raises a question: when should Sharad Purnima be observed—tomorrow or the day after? Since the full moon Tithi is not present during the night of October 26, when should the *kheer* (a traditional rice pudding) be placed out [under the moonlight]? If you are confused about this, let us determine the correct date, *muhurta* (auspicious timing), and the right time to place the *kheer* for Sharad Purnima.

Sharad Purnima: Tomorrow or the day after?
According to traditional guidelines for observing fasts (*Vrat Parichay*), the determination of Sharad Purnima depends on the presence of the full moon Tithi during the *Pradosh* (twilight) and *Nishita* (midnight) *muhurtas*. If the *Panchang* (almanac) indicates that the full moon Tithi occurs during the *Nishita muhurta* on one day, but is absent during the *Pradosh muhurta* on the following day, then Sharad Purnima should be observed on the first day.
Applying this, on October 26, the *Nishita muhurta* falls during the *Pratipada* Tithi (the first day) of the dark fortnight (*Krishna Paksha*) of the month of Kartika—because the full moon Tithi ends at 9:41 AM that morning. Furthermore, the *Pradosh muhurta* for the full moon does not occur on that day. (*Pradosh muhurta* refers to the period immediately following sunset; on that day, sunset will also occur during the *Kartika Krishna Pratipada* Tithi.)

Now, consider October 25. On October 25, the full moon Tithi encompasses both the *Pradosh Kaal* and the *Nishita muhurta*. On this day, the *Nishita muhurta* lasts from 11:40 PM to 12:31 AM. Based on the established guidelines for observances, it is best to celebrate Sharad Purnima tomorrow, October 25.

Sharad Purnima 2026: Three Auspicious Yogas
Three auspicious *yogas* (astrological alignments) are forming on Sharad Purnima: *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga*, *Ravi Yoga*, and *Harshana Yoga*. Harshan Yoga: From early morning until 05:22 PM
Ravi Yoga: From 06:28 AM until 07:22 PM
Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: From 07:22 PM until 06:29 AM on October 26th
Moonrise time on Sharad Purnima: 05:00 PM

Time for placing 'Kheer' (rice pudding) on ​​the night of Sharad Purnima:
According to the traditions associated with this fast, when the full moon is visible in the sky, prepare 'Kheer' at home using cow's milk, mixed with ghee and white sugar (or rock sugar). Worship the Moon and offer 'Arghya' (a ritual offering of water). The water used for this offering should be mixed with raw milk, white flowers, sandalwood, and unbroken rice grains ('akshat'). Then, offer this 'Kheer' to the Moon God by placing it in an open space where it is exposed to the moonlight. Ensure that nothing falls into it.

When should the 'Kheer' be consumed?
The 'Kheer' should be left out under the moonlight throughout the night. It should then be consumed the following morning—meaning, you should place the 'Kheer' out on the night of October 25th and eat it on the morning of October 26th. Consuming this 'Kheer' is believed to be beneficial for your health.

PC Social Media