Sharad Purnima 2024: date, moonrise time and timings

Purnima runs from 8:41 pm, 16 Oct to 4:56 pm, 17 Oct (Indian Standard Time).

Moonrise is calculated for each city's coordinates and checked against a high-precision ephemeris to within about a minute. It is the moment the Moon's upper edge crosses a clear, level horizon; buildings, hills or haze can delay the first sighting by several minutes, so wait until you can see the Moon. Some panchangs, including Drik Panchang, time moonrise to the centre of the Moon's disc with no allowance for refraction, which usually puts their time about 4 to 6 minutes later than the one here (for Karwa Chauth 2026 in Delhi, 8:17 pm against 8:12 pm). If your family follows that panchang, use its time. Cities outside India show their local date and time. Windows follow the traditional rule for this festival and the tithi timing for each city. Tithi times agree with the major panchangams to within about a minute; for a vrata or homam, confirm the family custom with your purohit.

Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Sharad Purnima from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.

Kheer is kept under the moonlight. Valmiki Jayanti is also observed around Ashwin Purnima. Deity: Goddess Lakshmi and the Moon.