Sharad Purnima 2025: Why Rice Kheer is kept under the moonlight on this day

India is a land of festivals and here every festival is celebrated in an elaborate manner. And here, no festival is complete without a dose of delicious sweets. One such festival is Sharad Purnima, also known as Rass Purnima, a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi that is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin. In the Brij region, the day is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and it is believed that Lord Krishna performs the dance of divine love, or Maha-Raas, on Sharad Purnima. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in the river and pray for happiness and prosperity. On this day, devotees fast, take the holy dip, and also prepare rice kheer using Ganga Jal and keep it under the moonlight and then the next day, the kheer is consumed as bhog. Scroll down to read the details of the festival.

According to the Panchang, the full moon date of Ashwin month will start on October 6 at 12:24 PM and it will end on October 7 at 09:16 AM. As per experts, the festival of Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on October 6. On this day people also observe fast and eat only fruits and dairy products throughout the day.

As per beliefs, on Sharad Purnima, the moon comes out with all of the sixteen kalas. Each kala of the moon represents a human quality, and only by achieving all the sixteen kalas can a person be called complete.

It is also called Kojagari Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima, and it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, descends to Earth on this night to bless her devotees. Families often stay awake throughout the night, as it is said that the goddess asks, “Ko jagarti?” (“Who is awake?”). Hence, the festival is also called Kojagari Purnima. In Vrindavan and Mathura traditions, Sharad Purnima marks the night when Lord Krishna performed the Maha-Raas (cosmic dance) with Radha and the Gopis. It symbolizes divine love, joy, and unity of the soul with the supreme.

As per mythology, Sharad Purnima marks the beginning of the winter months, and on this day, Chandra Dev (moon) is worshipped. As a tradition, people make rice kheer on the night of Sharad Purnima and keep it under the open sky in silverware, and consume it the next morning. It is believed that the winter dew brings down the lactic content of milk and the bright light of the moon reduces the starch level of rice, and when served in silverware, the kheer helps boost the immune system. Also, it is believed that the rays of the moon have certain healing properties that nourish the human body.

It is also believed that on this day, Maa Lakshmi comes to roam around the earth, and those who invoke her at night on Sharad Purnima by offering kheer to the moon receive the grace of the deity.

As per legends, white-coloured foods play a key role on this day and pure vegetarian food is prepared on Sharad Purnima. Apart from kheer, there is Kalakand, Raita, Gatte ka Pulao, Dal Paratha, Rasiyao, and other dishes prepared on this day. As per experts, people prefer to make satvik food on this day and avoid the use of garlic and onion on this auspicious day. Also, the consumption of meat, eggs, alcohol, and seafood is prohibited on this day. On this day, other foods are also made with milk. For instance, people also barfi or laddoo made with khoya, which is a byproduct of milk.

Kheer also known as Rice Kheer is a popular Indian dessert made with broken rice, milk, sugar, cardamom, and nuts. Here's the simplest recipe to try at home.
Ingredients required: 2 cups full-fat milk, 1/4 cup broken white rice, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 2 tbsp chopped nuts and a few strands of saffron.
Method: Boil the milk in a saucepan on low flame. Next, add washed rice to it and stir well. Cook it on a low flame for 20-30 minutes or until the rice is cooked evenly. Add cardamom powder and sugar, stir well. Lastly, add nuts and saffron strands. Cook for 4-5 minutes, and your homemade Rice Kheer is ready. Chill it in refrigerator or serve hot, as desired.

Milk is a rich source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth. It provides high-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and repair. Additionally, milk contains vitamins B12 and D, which promote energy and immune health. Its hydrating properties also make it a great post-workout drink. Beyond this, milk delivers potassium for healthy blood pressure, riboflavin for better metabolism, and zinc that strengthens skin and hair. Whether consumed warm before bed, chilled in summer, or blended into smoothies, it remains one of the most versatile and nourishing staples across Indian kitchens and daily diets.

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