Sharad Purnima will be celebrated on October 28.
This year, the festival of Sharad Purnima will be celebrated under the shadow of a lunar eclipse or Grahan.
Sharad Purnima is a significant time for the Hindus, observed on the Full Moon night. As per the Hindu Calendar, it will be celebrated this year on October 28. While the full moon is witnessed once every thirty days, when it appears during the Ashwin month, it is known as Sharad Purnima. The day is considered auspicious because, on this day, the moon is resplendent in all its sixteen phases. It is believed that the rays emitted by the moon on this day contain some healing properties that are good for the body and the soul as well. However, this year the festival of Sharad Purnima will be celebrated under the shadow of a lunar eclipse or grahan. The lunar eclipse will occur at midnight, and Sutak will begin in the afternoon. Sutak is a period of ritual impurity and is considered inauspicious. It means that the rituals will be performed during the daytime itself.
At the same time, the kheer which is generally made after sunset, will be made in the daytime. One can prepare kheer only after the eclipse ends. It is pertinent to note that it will be after nine years that Sharad Purnima will be celebrated under the shadow of the lunar eclipse.
Before the lunar eclipse, the solar eclipse will also take place on October 14. Then, on October 28, there will be a lunar eclipse. However, there’s a difference. While a solar eclipse will not be visible in India, a lunar eclipse occurring on the day of Sharad Purnima will be clearly visible in the nation. The Sutak of this eclipse will start after noon time, whereas it will conclude at midnight. On the day of Sharad Purnima, the doors of the temple will remain closed. Bhajans and kirtans will be performed.
There is a scientific reason why the rice-kheer is consumed and distributed as Prasad on this occasion. Kheer is first left under the moonlight for the whole night to allow it to get enriched by the rays of the moon. The next day in the morning, it is eaten. Why, you may ask? Well, milk restores lactic acid which helps in the production of good bacteria, making it healthier.
