Sharad Purnima 2026 Date: Hunter's Moon, Kheer & Moonrise Time

Latest update: Timings are confirmed against Drik Panchang and NASA/timeanddate data as of publication. As October 2026 approaches, skywatchers and devotees across India are preparing for one of the most culturally significant lunar events of the year. The October full moon, known globally as the Hunter's Moon and in India as Sharad Purnima, brings a blend of fascinating astronomy and rich spiritual tradition.

Sharad Purnima 2026 Date: October 25 or 26?

The exact date of Sharad Purnima often causes confusion due to the difference between the astronomical full moon peak and the Hindu lunar calendar. The Ashwin Shukla Purnima Tithi begins at 11:55 AM IST on Sunday, October 25, 2026, and ends at 09:41 AM IST on Monday, October 26. Because the tithi is active throughout the night on Sunday, all nocturnal rituals—including the moonlit kheer tradition, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Nishita night puja, and the jagran—must be performed on the night of Sunday, October 25, 2026. The calendar date honoring the udaya-tithi (sunrise) falls on Monday, October 26, when the astronomical full moon officially peaks at 9:42 AM IST (04:12 UTC).

City-Wise Moonrise Times in India

To witness the spectacular moon illusion and perform your evening rituals, here are the approximate IST moonrise times for Sunday, October 25, 2026:

• New Delhi – ~5:00 PM IST
• Mumbai – ~3:54 PM IST
• Bengaluru – ~4:41 PM IST
• Kolkata – ~4:15 PM IST
• Chennai – ~4:35 PM IST

The Astronomy: Hunter's Moon and Golden Saturn

Internationally, the October full moon is known as the Hunter's Moon, a name originating from Native American and traditional European folklore, marking the time to hunt and prepare for winter. While this event is not a supermoon (the next one being the Beaver Supermoon on November 24, 2026), this lunar display remains spectacular. As the moon breaches the horizon, the famous moon illusion will make it appear unusually massive. Skywatchers are in for an extra treat: a bright, golden Saturn (magnitude 0.3), having just passed its October 4 opposition, will be highly visible nearby in the constellation Cetus.

Cultural Significance: Kheer, Kojagiri, and the 16 Kalas

Sharad Purnima, also known regionally as Kojagiri Purnima, Ashwin Purnima, Kaumudi, or Navanna, is steeped in profound cultural and spiritual traditions:

• 16 Kalas & Amrit – Hindu mythology states the moon shines with all 16 phases (Kalas) on this night, dripping "Amrit" (healing nectar). Keeping kheer under the moonlight is a tradition meant to absorb these purported Ayurvedic properties.
• Kojagari Lakshmi Puja – The word Kojagari means "who is awake." It is believed Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth on this night, blessing devotees who stay awake (jagran) with prosperity.
• Raas Purnima – In parts of India, this night is celebrated as the time Lord Krishna performed the divine Maha-Raas dance with the Gopis of Vrindavan.

Photography & Viewing Tips

To capture the Hunter's Moon alongside the golden glow of Saturn, find a clear eastern horizon. Use a sturdy tripod and lower your camera's exposure settings to capture the intricate crater details without blowing out the lunar highlights. While modern science views the moon's "healing" properties as a beautiful cultural tradition rather than verified medicine, stepping out under the crisp autumn sky to observe this celestial event connects us to centuries of shared astronomical wonder.