Sharad Poonam 2023

Sharad Poonam, also known as Sharad Purnima, is a harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. This festival holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, especially in rural areas where agriculture plays a crucial role in people's lives.

Here are some key aspects of the Sharad Poonam festival:

Celebration of Harvest: Sharad Poonam marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and an occasion to celebrate the hard work of farmers.

Devotional Significance: The festival also has religious and spiritual significance. It is believed that on this auspicious night, the moon showers its divine nectar (Amrit) on the Earth, and people come out to bask in the moonlight, considering it to be particularly soothing and beneficial. Moonlight is associated with rejuvenation and positive energy.

Kheer and Other Delicacies: On Sharad Poonam, people prepare a special dish called "Kheer" or rice pudding, which is left outside under the moonlight as an offering. It is believed that the moon's rays infuse the Kheer with divine blessings, and then the blessed Kheer is consumed as prasadam (consecrated food) by everyone in the household.

Folk Dances and Music: In some regions, people celebrate Sharad Poonam with traditional folk dances like the Garba and Raas, especially in Gujarat and other parts of Western India. These dances are performed in groups around a central lamp or an earthen pot, often depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

Observing Vrat (Fast): Some devotees observe a fast on Sharad Poonam and break it only after offering Kheer to the moon.

The Story of Gopis and Lord Krishna: In the Braj region of North India, Sharad Poonam is particularly associated with the divine love and Ras Leela of Lord Krishna and the Gopis (cowherd girls). It is believed that on this night, Lord Krishna performed the enchanting Raas Leela dance with the Gopis, symbolizing the union of the individual soul with the divine.

Overall, Sharad Poonam is a joyous festival that blends agricultural significance with spiritual and cultural celebrations. It brings communities together, fosters a sense of gratitude, and offers an opportunity for people to connect with nature and the divine in a festive and harmonious atmosphere.