In our vibrant Hindu calendar, every month brings its own special flavour of devotion and celebration. The month of Ashwin, the seventh month, holds a very special place in our hearts. It’s a time when the air begins to cool after the monsoon, and a festive spirit fills our homes. This month is beautifully balanced with two powerful lunar days, or tithis: Ashwin Purnima (the full moon) and Ashwin Amavasya (the new moon). Each of these days offers a unique path to connect with the divine and our ancestors. Let’s explore what makes these days so special in 2025.
Ashwin Purnima 2025: A Night Bathed in Divine Moonlight
Ashwin Purnima, lovingly known as Sharad Purnima, is one of the most beautiful and spiritually charged nights of the year. It is believed that on this night, the moon is at its brightest, showering the earth with Amrit – a divine nectar of healing and abundance. This radiant night symbolises wisdom, prosperity, and the calming of our minds and souls.
In 2025, we will celebrate this auspicious occasion with the fast being observed on Monday, October 6, 2025. The Purnima tithi begins at 12:23 PM on October 6 and ends at 09:16 AM on October 7. The magical moonrise on Purnima night will be at 05:21 PM.
This is the night when we worship Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity. It is believed she descends to earth on this night, blessing the devotees who are awake and singing her praises. This festival, also called Kojagari Puja, marks the end of the monsoon and welcomes the bountiful harvest season.
Heartfelt Rituals and Traditions of Sharad Purnima
The beauty of Sharad Purnima lies in its simple yet profound rituals that bring families together.
- Lakshmi Puja: Homes are filled with the sounds of chants and bhajans dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Families perform her puja with utmost devotion, seeking her divine blessings for a life of peace and prosperity. To make your puja complete, you can find all the essential Pooja Samagri on our store.
- The Sacred Kheer: A special tradition is to prepare rice kheer (a sweet pudding) and leave it under the moonlight all night. It is believed that the moon’s rays infuse the kheer with divine healing properties. Consuming this Prasad the next morning is considered incredibly beneficial for health and spirit.
- Moon Gazing and Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast and spend the evening gazing at the moon, absorbing its serene energy. Offering arghya (water) to the moon is also a common practice.
Across India, this festival is celebrated with great joy. In West Bengal and Odisha, it is known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. In Maharashtra, newly married women pray for a happy married life. The essence remains the same – a celebration of divine grace and abundance.
Ashwin Amavasya 2025: A Day for Remembrance and Renewal
While Purnima is a celebration of light, Amavasya is a time for introspection and connecting with our roots. Ashwin Amavasya, which falls on Monday, September 22, 2025, is a profoundly significant day dedicated to honouring our ancestors (pitru). The absence of the moon encourages us to look inwards and remember those who came before us.
This day marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and is considered a powerful time for spiritual practices that cleanse the soul and bring peace to our departed loved ones.
Rituals of Respect and Gratitude
The rituals on Ashwin Amavasya are performed with deep respect and a feeling of gratitude.
- Tarpanam and Pind Daan: This is the most important ritual of the day. Families perform Tarpanam (offering water) and Pind Daan (offering rice balls) to appease the souls of their ancestors. It is believed that these rites help their souls find peace and in return, they bless their living family members.
- Fasting and Charity: Observing a fast on this day is believed to help fulfil one’s desires. More importantly, it is a day for charity. Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is considered highly auspicious and a way to earn merit.
- Lighting a Diya: In the evening, lighting a simple lamp or a ghee diya helps dispel the darkness and invites positive energies into our homes. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in darkness, a small light of hope and faith can shine brightly.
- Worshipping Lord Shiva: Many also worship Lord Shiva on Amavasya. He is the one who holds the crescent moon on his head and is believed to protect devotees from any negative energies associated with this lunar phase. Offering water to a Shivling is a powerful practice.
Celebrating Our Traditions with Poojn.in
Whether you are preparing for the radiant Lakshmi Puja on Purnima or the solemn rituals of Amavasya, having authentic and pure items is key to performing these rituals with a pure heart. At Poojn.in, we understand this deep-rooted connection to our traditions.
We are here to help you celebrate with ease and devotion. From pure ghee diyas and colourful gulal to all the necessary pooja samagri for your rituals, you can find everything in one place. We ensure that every product we offer is of the highest quality, so you can focus entirely on your prayers.
Shopping with us means you get the convenience of online delivery right to your doorstep, without compromising on the sanctity of your puja. Poojn.in is more than just a store; it’s your partner in preserving our beautiful culture.
Understanding the Heart of These Traditions
Many of us often wonder about the deeper meaning behind these practices. For instance, what truly separates Ashwin Purnima from Amavasya? Think of it as two sides of the same coin of life. Purnima is about celebrating external abundance and divine light, while Amavasya is about finding the inner light and honouring our foundation—our ancestors. Both are essential for a balanced spiritual life.
Another common thought is whether these rituals can be performed at home with the same devotion as in a temple. The answer is a heartfelt yes! The true essence of any ritual lies in the faith and sincerity with which it is performed. With the right guidance and authentic items, your home can become a sanctuary of peace and divine energy. Engaging in these practices helps us stay connected to our rich Hindu culture, passing on these invaluable traditions to our children and creating a home filled with blessings and positivity.
