Sharad Purnima marks the change from the rainy season to the peaceful autumn. The skies become clear, the air feels fresh, and the full moon shines brightly. On this night, Shri Krishna performed the divine Raas Leela with the Gopis in Vrindavan.
The moonlight on this night is believed to carry divine blessings. Sharad Purnima 2025 is a time to focus on love, devotion, and purity. Across ISKCON temples, devotees sing bhajans, offer milk and rice under the moon, and remember the divine presence of Shri Krishna. It is a night of joy, prayer, and giving.
When is Sharad Purnima 2025?
Sharad Purnima falls on the 15th day of Shukla Paksha during the Hindu lunar month of Kartik month. It usually falls either at the end of September or beginning of October month.
What is Sharad Purnima 2025 date and time?
In 2025, Sharad Purnima date and time as follows.
Sharad Purnima 2025 will be observed on Monday, October 6, 2025.
The Purnima Tithi begins at 12:23 PM on October 6 and ends at 09:16 AM on October 7. Devotees observe fasting during this period and stay awake at night, offering milk, rice flakes, and prayers to the Shri Krishna.
Sharad Purnima Significance
Sharad Purnima marks the change of season from monsoon to autumn. But spiritually, it marks a deeper change—the awakening of divine love within the heart.
According to the scriptures, Shri Krishna chose this full moon night to bless his devotees with the ultimate expression of divine love through the Raas Leela. The night symbolizes the eternal relationship between the soul and the Supreme Lord.
Devotees believe that Shri Krishna danced with every Gopi at once, showing that the Lord is present with each devotee who loves him sincerely. This Leela reveals the boundless mercy of the Lord, who accepts every devotee’s love as unique and complete.
On this day, devotees perform Sharad Purnima vrat (fasting), sing kirtans, and read stories from Srimad Bhagavatam describing the Lord’s Raas Leela. The moonlight is said to be filled with divine nectar, and that’s why devotees prepare kheer (sweet rice milk) and place it under the moon’s rays. It is later distributed as prasadam, believed to bring good health and purity.
Sharad Purnima Story
Long ago in Vrindavan, the Gopis deeply desired to be united with Shri Krishna. They prayed to Goddess Katyayani and performed strict penance to win his divine grace. Moved by their devotion, Shri Krishna fulfilled their wish on the full moon night of Sharad Purnima.
On that divine night, the moon shone brighter than ever, and the fragrance of jasmine filled the air. Shri Krishna, dressed in yellow silk and adorned with peacock feathers, played his flute under the full moon. The sound of his flute reached the hearts of the Gopis, who left everything behind to meet him.
What followed was the Maha Raas Leela—the dance of divine love. Shri Krishna multiplied himself so every Gopi felt his presence beside her. This Leela is not just a story; it’s the soul’s journey toward eternal love and union with the Supreme Lord.
The scriptures say that this Raas Leela represents the moment when God responds to the sincere call of his devotees. It reminds us that Shri Krishna is not far away. He lives in the hearts that are filled with love and surrender.
Sharad Purnima Fasting Rules
Devotees observe Sharad Purnima vrat with great devotion and purity. The fast begins early in the morning after a holy bath. Most devotees take only water or milk throughout the day, dedicating their time to chanting, reading scriptures, and serving the Lord.
As night approaches, devotees prepare sweetened milk and poha (flattened rice) mixed with sugar, jaggery, and dry fruits. This mixture is kept under the moonlight as an offering to Shri Krishna. The moon’s rays are said to carry healing energy on this night. The food absorbs this divine energy, and the next morning it is distributed as prasadam.
Keeping awake through the night is also considered sacred. Devotees spend the entire night singing Hare Krishna Mahamantra, reading from Srimad Bhagavatam, and meditating on the Raas Leela. This practice helps cleanse the mind and purify the heart
Importance of Donation on Sharad Purnima
The act of giving plays a vital role in every Ekadashi and Purnima. On Sharad Purnima, charity holds special spiritual value. Scriptures say that giving food and wealth on this night brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu and removes obstacles from life.
In the Bhagavad Gita 17.20, Shri Krishna says,
दानं देयं इति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्॥
Transliteration:
Dānaṁ deyaṁ iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ’nupakāriṇe,
deśe kāle ca pātre ca taddānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam.
Meaning: Shri Krishna says that he likes when you donate with a pure heart, at the right time and place, to someone who truly deserves it, and without expecting anything in return.
Charity offered with faith and purity pleases him greatly. That’s why many devotees offer ISKCON donation on this day, supporting the temple’s efforts to serve society through food distribution and spiritual education.
Food donation to the poor is one of the most sacred acts performed on Sharad Purnima. It is believed that feeding the hungry pleases the Lord more than any ritual. Donating milk, rice, or fruits to the needy is said to cleanse past karmas and bring peace to the soul.
Along with food donation, offering money to temples helps maintain the Lord’s service and temple activities. Every rupee offered in devotion becomes a step closer to spiritual growth. If you wish to help, you can donate to temple in Ghaziabad, where devotees serve Shri Krishna with dedication and compassion
ISKCON Sharad Purnima Celebration
At ISKCON temples, the night of Sharad Purnima 2025 is celebrated with divine enthusiasm. The atmosphere fills with joy, bhajans, and kirtans glorifying Shri Krishna. Devotees dress the Deities in dazzling white clothes, representing the moon’s brightness and purity.
Special offerings of kheer and fruits are made to the Lord, and devotees dance joyfully while singing the holy names. The temple remains open late at night, allowing visitors to witness the Raasa Leela enactments that recreate the divine moments of Vrindavan.
The celebration reminds everyone that devotion is not about rituals alone; it is about love, service, and surrender. Offering even a small act of charity with faith becomes a powerful way to serve the Lord.
Why Fasting and Charity Matter Together
Fasting controls the senses, while charity opens the heart. Together, they balance discipline and compassion, the two qualities that please Shri Krishna the most. When we share food, wealth, or time in the Lord’s service, we purify our actions.
That’s why on this sacred night, devotees focus not only on fasting but also on giving. The true joy of Sharad Purnima 2025 lies in spreading kindness and remembering that Shri Krishna accepts every act of love, no matter how small.
In Bhagavad Gita (9.26) Shri Krishna says,
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतम् अश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः॥
Transliteration:
Patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati,
tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ.
Meaning: If someone offers me a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water with love and devotion, I accept it.
Conclusion
Sharad Purnima and Shri Krishna remind us that divine love is beyond limits. The moonlight on this night carries the message of purity, devotion, and giving. When we chant, fast, and offer charity, we invite that divine grace into our lives.
May this Sharad Purnima 2025 bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening to every heart. Let us celebrate this full moon by remembering the love of Shri Krishna, sharing food with the hungry, and supporting the temple that spreads his message of compassion.
If you wish to support the Lord’s service, you can learn how to support ISKCON Ghaziabad temple through seva, donations, or volunteering. Every offering made with love becomes eternal in his remembrance.
