Sharad Purnima is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Ashwin, usually in September or October. It is also known as Kojagiri Purnima, Kumar Purnima, or Kaumudi Purnima in different regions of India. It marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Moon god, the symbol of beauty and joy. In this essay, I will explain the significance, rituals, and celebrations of Sharad Purnima for students.
Significance of Sharad Purnima
Sharad Purnima has many meanings and stories associated with it. One of them is that it is a harvest festival. Farmers across India celebrate the end of the monsoon season and the harvest of their crops on Sharad Purnima. They offer their thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
Another meaning of Sharad Purnima is that it is associated with the goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, Lakshmi descends to earth to bless her devotees. People pray to Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
A third meaning of Sharad Purnima is that it is related to the moon god. It is said that on Sharad Purnima, the moon is at its brightest and closest to the earth, and its rays have healing properties. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Krishna performed the divine dance of love with his consort Radha and the gopis (cowherd girls) in Vrindavan. This is known as Ras Leela or Ras Lila.
Rituals and Celebrations of Sharad Purnima
On the day of Sharad Purnima, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Moon god with offerings of flowers, sweets, incense, and lamps. They also prepare kheer (rice pudding) and keep it under the moonlight for the whole night. They believe that the kheer absorbs the nectar from the moonlight and becomes auspicious. They consume it the next morning as prasad (sacred food).
Some people also observe a fast on this day and break it after moonrise by offering flattened rice and coconut water to Goddess Lakshmi. People decorate their houses with lights and rangoli (colorful patterns) on this night. They also draw alpana (white designs) symbolizing the feet of Goddess Lakshmi at their doorsteps. They stay awake all night and sing bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (chants) in praise of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna. They also play games, dance, and enjoy music.
In some regions, young girls perform a special puja for Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who was born on this day. He is worshipped as the god of war and victory. They also wear new clothes and jewelry on this day.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima is a festival that celebrates the bounty of nature, the grace of Goddess Lakshmi, and the joy of love. It is a time to express gratitude, seek blessings, and have fun. It is a festival that brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone.
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