What to Do on Sharad Purnima: 7 Devotional Practices

When Is Sharad Purnima in 2026?

Before exploring the devotional practices, let us look at the Sharad Purnima date and tithi timings. In 2026, Sharad Purnima falls on Sunday, October 25. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 11:55 on October 25 and ends at 09:41 on October 26.

Offer Prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi

On this auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, offer your heartfelt prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking strength to overcome difficulties and happiness in the family. Light a ghee lamp before their deities or picture, offer incense, fruits, kheer, and pray for their ultimate mercy.

The prayers should be for spiritual gain rather than the material necessities of life. Pray to be enlightened with spiritual knowledge, to understand the eternal relationship with the Lord, and to gain the wisdom to follow the path of devotion.

Sharad Purnima Rituals to Follow at Home

You do not need elaborate arrangements to follow rituals or devotional practices of Sharad Purnima. Following these simple practices at home would bestow the Lord’s blessings on family members.

1. Observe a Vrat According to Your Capacity

Observe a fast or vrat on Sharad Purnima according to your capacity, whether by fasting completely or abstaining from grains and eating only fruits. It is believed that sincere observance of the vrata brings blessings for the fulfilment of one’s desires.

2. Prepare Kheer and Keep It Under the Moonlight

It is believed that during the night of Sharad Purnima, amrit (nectar) is showered from the moon's rays. Preparing kheer, keeping it under moonlight, and eating it as prasad will bestow good health and positivity in life.

3. Offer Bhog to Lord Krishna and Share Prasad

Cook various white sweet items like kheer, makhan, milk cake, rasgulla, and, along with Tulsi leaves, offer them to Lord Krishna. Once offered, share prasad with everyone and relish it while remembering the Lord’s sweet pastimes.

4. Chant the Holy Names and Sing Bhajans

As the Lord’s holy names are none different from Him, singing His glories and bhajans is as good as associating with Him. Scriptures like the Kali-Santarana Upanishad recommends us to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra to counteract the harmful effects of Kali-yuga.

5. Hear About Lord Krishna’s Pastimes of Vrindavan

Hear about Lord Krishna’s lilas which He performed in Vrindavan. Pastimes like ukhal bandhan, protecting cowherd boys from demons, and songs by the gopis can be heard. Hearing Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela is not recommended for neophyte devotees, who may mistake these spiritual pastimes for ordinary dealings; their true nature is understood at the liberated stage.

6. Give in Charity and Serve Those in Need

Giving charity or helping the people who are in need reflects one’s compassion and a sense of responsibility towards others. A small contribution of food, clothing, or other essentials can bring happiness in one’s own and others' lives.

7. Reading Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam

Read spiritual books like the Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavatam to become spiritually enlightened. One should read one of these books daily, but reading on this auspicious day of Sharad Purnima is especially significant.

What to Avoid on Sharad Purnima

These are the things that one should avoid on Sharad Purnima:

• One should avoid non-vegetarian food, including eggs.
• Avoid all kinds of intoxicants, including tea and coffee.
• Do not gamble or use online betting applications.
• One should not indulge in illicit connections.
• Avoid wasting time watching movies and shows.
• Avoid unnecessary anger, arguments, and harsh words to others.
• Do not waste Lord’s prasad.

Conclusion

Simply knowing what to do on Sharad Purnima helps you to celebrate this occasion with a clear spiritual purpose. Perform each act of service with sincerity and remembrance of the Lord. Pray for the Lord’s ultimate mercy and carry these practices as a part of your daily life.