Sharad Purnima 2026 at the Taj Mahal: The festival of Sharad Purnima is celebrated on Sunday, October 25th. This auspicious occasion falls annually on the full moon day (Purnima) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Ashvin. On this night, the full moon shining in the sky, the milky-white moonlight, and various religious beliefs evoke a unique sense of excitement in people. There is a special allure to viewing the Taj Mahal—located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh—on the night of Sharad Purnima. Crafted from white marble, this historic monument looks exceptionally beautiful under the moonlight, drawing eager tourists from across the country and abroad.

All Tickets Booked – The night-viewing sessions at the Taj Mahal, held over five days around the full moon each month, begin today, October 24th, and will continue until October 28th. Visitors can view the Taj Mahal in eight half-hour slots, running from 8:00 PM until midnight. On October 25th, when the moonlight of Sharad Purnima falls upon the Taj Mahal, it will create a truly spectacular sight—a prospect that has generated immense enthusiasm among tourists, with tickets for this specific date having been booked well in advance. All 1,200 tickets available for October 24th, 25th, and 26th have already been booked online. A maximum of 50 tourists are permitted per slot.

A Confluence of Faith and Beauty – On the night of the full moon, tourists can admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal. In accordance with a Supreme Court directive, the Taj Mahal is opened to the public on the day of the full moon, as well as two days before and two days after it. If you were unable to secure a ticket to view the Taj Mahal on the night of Sharad Purnima, there is no need to be disappointed; alternative arrangements have been made. Visitors can view the Taj Mahal under the moonlight from the 'Taj View Point' located at Mehtab Bagh.

A Magical, Luminous Spectacle – On the night of Sharad Purnima, the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, casting a brilliant, stark-white light. When this light falls upon the white marble of the Taj Mahal and the precious stones inlaid within it, the monument begins to shimmer like diamonds. In the local dialect, this phenomenon is known as 'Chamki'. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) permits night-time viewing of the Taj Mahal every month—on the night of the full moon, as well as the two days preceding and the two days following it (a total of five days)—between 8:00 PM and midnight. On Sharad Purnima, the atmosphere is exceptionally clear and pristine, making the Taj Mahal appear particularly radiant.

Sharad Purnima and the Taj Mahal – The Taj Mahal is world-renowned for its extraordinary architecture and white marble. When the moonlight falls upon its marble surfaces on a full-moon night, its beauty is further enhanced. Bathed in moonlight within a tranquil environment, the Taj Mahal emerges as a unique confluence of love, beauty, and history. However, night-time viewing of the Taj Mahal during Sharad Purnima is subject to specific dates, designated timings, and the regulations set forth by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Religious Significance of Sharad Purnima – According to Hindu belief, on the night of Sharad Purnima, the moon manifests in all its sixteen phases (*solah kala*). In religious tradition, the moonlight on this night is considered to possess qualities akin to *amrit* (nectar). Many families prepare *kheer* (a rice pudding) on ​​this occasion, placing it under the open sky, and consume it the following day as *prasad* (a sanctified offering). Sharad Purnima is also known as 'Raas Purnima' and 'Kojagari Purnima'. In the Vaishnava tradition, this day holds special significance as it marks the *Maha Raas Leela* of Lord Krishna. Meanwhile, in many regions, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped; it is believed that on this night, she descends to Earth and bestows her blessings upon those devotees who remain awake to offer their prayers to her.

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