Sharad Purnima is a religious festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (September to October), marking the end of the monsoon season. It is also known as Kumara Purnima, Kojagari Purnima, Navanna Purnima, Kojagrat Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima. The full moon night is celebrated in different ways in various cultural regions across South Asia. Some of the key features of Sharad Purnima are:

• Celebrations: Worshipping, offering flowers and dishes to deities, and dancing.
• Legend: Sharad Purnima celebrates the night that the Raaslila (a circular dance) was performed between Radha Krishna and the gopis (milkmaids) of Braj. To participate in this divine raas, Shiva took the form of Gopeshwar mahadev. Vivid descriptions of this night are given in Brahma Purana, Skanda Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, and the Linga Purana. It is also believed that, on this full moon night, Goddess Lakshmi descends on the earth to watch the actions of human beings.
• Significance: Sharad Purnima is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi is said to go from place to place, asking Kojagiri, “Who is awake” and blessing those who are found awake. As a result, people do not sleep this night and instead spend the entire day with immense dedication, fasting, singing religious songs, and praying for prosperity.

Sharad Purnima is also known as Sharad Poonam, Raas Purnima, and Ashwin Purnima. It is considered one of the most auspicious days to perform holy tasks and is a great time to perform all religious and spiritual activities. The festival is celebrated with a whole lot of pomp and grandeur all over the country. Women, during this time of the year, keep fast and pray to God Chandra. Sharad Purnima is also celebrated as a harvest festival in several Indian states.