Sharad Purnima (Kojagara) · Sharad Purnima, Kojagara

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon. Drik Panchang calls it the only day of the year when the moon comes out with all sixteen of its kalas; rice kheer is left in the moonlight all night, as the moon's rays are believed to carry amrita, and eaten the next day. In Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Mithila it is Kojagari Purnima: Lakshmi is believed to visit houses that night and bless those who are awake, kojagari meaning "one who is awake". It also celebrates the night of Krishna's rasa dance with the gopis of Braj. Drik Panchang holds the night whose midnight the full moon covers best for the Kojagara puja.