Sharad Purnima, one of the most auspicious full moons in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with great devotion and festivity across India. Known as the harvest festival, Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon season and the onset of autumn, filling the air with a sense of renewal and abundance. One of the most beloved traditions associated with this day is the preparation and consumption of Sharad Purnima Kheer, a sweet rice pudding. The kheer is not just a festive delicacy but is also considered sacred and loaded with spiritual and health benefits.

The Significance of Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which usually occurs in October. It is believed that on this night, the moon is closest to the Earth, and its rays are imbued with special healing properties. According to Hindu mythology, the moon showers nectar-like rays on the Earth, which possess healing powers that nourish the mind, body, and soul. This full moon is also associated with Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi in many regions, making it a spiritually potent night for worship, fasting, and prayers.

The Tradition of Sharad Purnima Kheer

One of the most prominent rituals on this night is preparing kheer (sweet rice pudding) and leaving it under the moonlight overnight. The kheer is made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, sugar, cardamom, saffron, and sometimes nuts to enhance the flavour.

Why is the Kheer Left Under the Moon?

It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, the rays of the full moon have medicinal properties. When the kheer is exposed to these moon rays, it absorbs the moon’s positive energy. Devotees consume this kheer the next morning, believing it brings health benefits and spiritual blessings.

How to Make Sharad Purnima Kheer

The recipe for Sharad Purnima Kheer is quite simple, but its spiritual intention adds to its significance. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
• 1 litre of full-fat milk
• ½ cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4-5 cardamom pods (crushed)
• A few saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
• Chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins (optional)

Method:

1. Boil the Milk: Bring the milk to a boil in a deep pan. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until it reaches half its original quantity.
2. Add Rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the milk. Cook the rice in the milk on a low flame, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add sugar and mix well once the rice is fully cooked and the milk has thickened. Stir in the saffron strands and cardamom for added flavour.
4. Garnish: Optionally, add chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins for texture and extra richness.
5. Cool and Expose to Moonlight: After the kheer cools down, place it in a clean dish and leave it under the moonlight for a few hours or overnight.

The kheer is offered to the gods as prasad and consumed the following day imbued with the positive energy of the full moon.

Health Benefits of Sharad Purnima Kheer

The tradition of preparing Sharad Purnima Kheer goes beyond its religious significance. It is believed to have several health benefits, especially when exposed to the healing rays of the full moon. Here’s why this kheer is more than just a sweet treat:

1. Cooling Properties: According to Ayurveda, Sharad Purnima transitions from the hot, humid monsoon to the cooler autumn. Kheer’s primary ingredient, milk, is known for its cooling properties and helps balance the body’s Pitta dosha (the body’s heat element).
2. Moonlight-Infused Benefits: The moonlight on Sharad Purnima is said to have rejuvenating and nourishing properties. Consuming kheer that has absorbed these rays is believed to improve digestion, promote mental calmness, and even boost immunity.
3. Nutritional Value: Made with rice, milk, and nuts, kheer is a wholesome dish that provides carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The inclusion of saffron and cardamom not only enhances flavour but also aids in digestion and boosts mood.
4. Spiritual Healing: Leaving the kheer under the moonlight symbolises inviting spiritual energy into your food. Eating this moonlight-infused kheer is believed to help cleanse negative energy and bring emotional healing, peace, and prosperity.

The Spiritual Significance of the Moonlight

The practice of leaving Kheer under the full moon on Sharad Purnima is deeply rooted in the belief that the moonlight on this night carries divine vibrations. In ancient texts, it is said that the moonlight is like Amrit (nectar), which nurtures both the body and the soul. When absorbed by the kheer, the rays of the moon make it a potent offering to the gods and a remedy for several ailments.

Conclusion

Sharad Purnima Kheer is more than just a festive dessert—it celebrates nature’s healing powers, spirituality, and tradition. As families across India prepare this kheer and expose it to the nourishing rays of the full moon, they participate in an age-old ritual that combines culinary enjoyment with spiritual benefits. The next time you celebrate Sharad Purnima, indulge in this moon-blessed kheer and enjoy its health and spiritual advantages.