Upcoming Lunar Eclipse in India: Special Festival Insights

On October 28th, there is Sharad Purnima. On this day, the Asho month’s Sud Paksh becomes full. This year, the lunar eclipse will begin at 1:04 AM on the night of Sharad Purnima. This eclipse will be visible in India, so there will be restrictions here.

According to Ujjain’s astrologer Pt. Manish Sharma, let’s know some special things related to the full moon and the eclipse…

Sharad Purnima is associated with many beliefs. According to one belief, on this night, Goddess Lakshmi travels the Earth. Another belief is that in the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Sri Krishna performed the Maharaas with the Gopis on this day. On Sharad Purnima night, Goddess Lakshmi asks who is awake on Earth. That’s why this day is called Kojagari Purnima.

In Ayurveda, Sharad Purnima has great significance. The moon’s medicinal properties during this night are abundant. This is why there is a tradition of making kheer (a sweet rice pudding) from moonlight on Sharad Purnima night. However, due to the lunar eclipse this year, following this tradition may pose challenges. After the lunar eclipse is over, you can still follow the tradition of making kheer.

The tradition of making and eating kheer on Sharad Purnima has a significant connection with our health. This time marks a change in the weather. The Shishira season begins now. It is advisable to include nutritious and warm foods in our diet. These foods give our body the strength to fight cold.

Kheer made on Sharad Purnima is special because it contains milk, rice, nuts, and saffron, which have the medicinal properties of the moon. This kheer is beneficial for us. The sweetness of kheer provides instant energy. Dried fruits increase vitality.

Another belief associated with Sharad Purnima is that Lord Sri Krishna organized the Maharaas Leela with the Gopis in Vrindavan on this day. Even today, due to this belief, special programs are organized in Vrindavan on Sharad Purnima. The night of the Maharaas Leela is also called the Rasa Leela.

On this date, the moon is seen with all its 16 phases. On other full moon dates, the moon appears slightly smaller. If you observe the lunar eclipse during Sharad Purnima, chanting the mantras of Goddess Lakshmi will be highly beneficial. The period of impurity starts from 4:04 PM in the evening until the lunar eclipse ends. During this time, you can perform rituals and prayers. After the lunar eclipse is complete, you can clean your home and temple and perform your worship.