The tradition of placing *kheer* (a rice pudding) under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima has been followed for centuries. However, there is some confusion regarding the date for this festival in 2026. Some suggest placing the *kheer* on the night of October 25, while others are waiting for October 26. Let us look at the date for Sharad Purnima, the appropriate time to place the *kheer*, and other significant details related to this day.

When is Sharad Purnima 2026?
According to the Hindu calendar, the *Purnima Tithi* (full moon lunar day) of the month of Ashwin will begin at 11:55 AM on October 25, 2026, and conclude at 9:41 AM on October 26, 2026.
Since the *Purnima Tithi* will also be present on the night of October 25, that night is considered suitable for worshipping the moon and placing the *kheer* under the moonlight.

The Right Time to Place *Kheer* on Sharad Purnima

It is customary to place *kheer* under the moonlight after worshipping the moon on the night of Sharad Purnima. In Delhi, moonrise is expected around 5:00 PM on October 25; however, the sun will not have set by then. Therefore, it is best to place the *kheer* after nightfall.

You may place the *kheer* under the moonlight anytime after 8:00 PM on October 25. There is no strictly mandated scriptural *muhurta* (auspicious timing) for this. Those who perform worship of Goddess Lakshmi at midnight may offer the *kheer* in accordance with their family traditions.

If the full moon falls on October 26, why place the *kheer* on the night of the 25th?

The confusion regarding the date arises from the difference between *Udayatithi* (the *tithi* prevailing at sunrise) and the rules for nighttime worship. Many religious rituals are determined based on the *tithi* present at sunrise. Conversely, for the moon worship performed on Sharad Purnima and the *Kojagari* Lakshmi Puja, the presence of the *Purnima Tithi* during the night holds special significance. On October 26, the *Purnima Tithi* (full moon lunar day) will be in effect at sunrise; therefore, ritual bathing and acts of charity (*daan*) can be performed on that day. Meanwhile, the *Purnima Tithi* will also be present on the night of October 25. For this reason, the night of October 25 is preferred for placing *kheer* (a milk-based rice pudding) under the moonlight and for worshipping the moon.

Should *kheer* be left out in the moonlight all night?

According to religious beliefs, the sixteen phases (*kala*) of the moon hold special significance on the night of *Sharad Purnima*. There is a tradition of placing *kheer* in the moonlight and later consuming it as *prasad* (a sanctified offering). However, there is no established scientific evidence to suggest that placing *kheer* in the moonlight enhances its medicinal properties.

Place the *kheer* in a clean vessel and cover it with a fine mesh or net to prevent dust or insects from falling into it. Leaving milk-based *kheer* at room temperature for the entire night is not safe. It is better to keep it in the refrigerator after leaving it out in the moonlight for a while.

When should the *Sharad Purnima kheer* be consumed?

According to tradition, the *kheer* can be offered to the moon on the night of October 25. Many families consume it as *prasad* the following morning, on October 26. Please ensure that the *kheer* has been stored safely and has not spoiled.

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