Sharad Purnima


Sharad Purnima

September-October; full moon day of Hindu month of AsvinaHindus devote this day to the moon god, Hari. In the belief that amrit (elixir) is showered on the earth by moonbeams, they prepare khir (milk thickened with rice and mixed with sugar) on this day and offer it to Hari amid the ringing of bells and chanting of hymns. The mixture is left out in the moonshine all night so that it may absorb the amrit falling from the moon. The resulting khir is believe to possess special qualities. In the evening, the moon god is worshipped and offered food. The next morning, the specially prepared khir is given to the devotees.
SOURCES:
RelHolCal-2004, p. 176