Sharad Purnima is a festival observed on the full moon night of the Sharad (autumn) season in the month of Ashvina (October–November). The ancient scripture Srimad Bhagavatam states that Lord Krishna performed the divine rasa dance with His most beloved gopis (cowherd damsels of Vrindavan) that night. Hence, this festival is also popularly called Rasa Purnima. The rasa dance between the gopis and Lord Krishna represents the most intimate exchange between the infinitesimal soul (Jivatma) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatama) without any tinge of material desire for sense gratification. In reciprocation to the pure devotion of the gopis, Lord Krishna expanded Himself to be present with each of them and fulfill their innermost spiritual desires on this full moon night.



Sharad Purnima is one of the important festivals celebrated in Sridham Vrindavan. It is a harvest festival that marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of Kartik month. The Deities in all the temples of Vrindavan are decorated in moon-white coloured robes on this auspicious day. Devotees sing melodious bhajans composed by great acharyas on rasa lila and other intimate pastimes of Srimati Radharani and Sri Krishna. Temples like Sri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir open the shutters on the grill covering the courtyard to let the moonlight into the sanctum sanctorum. After having darshan of the Lord, the moon is believed to spread blessings all over the world with its rays. Hence, many Brajvasis prepare desserts like kheer, keep them in the moonlight and serve them as prasadam the next day. Devotees and pilgrims from all over the world visit Vrindavan to seek the blessings of the Supreme Lord on this occasion.



Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir will also celebrate Sharad Purnima on 28 October, 2023 with much grandeur. The Deities of Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra will be dressed in Nav Poshak and adorned with varieties of fragrant flowers. The bhog will include special milk-based delicacies like kheer and chandrakala.
In the evening, Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra will be taken out for nauka vihara (a joyous boat ride) in the Chandrodaya Sarovar on the campus. An elaborate aarti will be performed amidst ecstatic kirtans and prasadam will be distributed extensively to visitors.



Join us for the grand festivities on Sharad Purnima and receive the choicest blessings of Sri Krishna.