The Night of Maha Raas Leela
Sharad Purnima (also known as Kojagiri Purnima) is the most romantic and mystical festival in Braj. It falls on the full moon night of the Ashwin month (October) and celebrates the divine Maha Raas Leela - the celestial dance that Lord Krishna performed with Radha and the gopis on the banks of the Yamuna River in Vrindavan.
Significance in Braj
According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, on this full moon night, Krishna played his enchanting flute, calling all the gopis to the banks of the Yamuna. There, he multiplied himself to dance with each gopi individually, creating the most beautiful dance the universe has ever witnessed.
This night is considered the most auspicious night of the year. The moonlight is believed to have special healing and nourishing properties. Devotees prepare kheer (rice pudding) and leave it under the moonlight overnight before consuming it.
Celebrations
In Vrindavan, special programs are held at Seva Kunj and Nidhivan, believed to be the actual sites of the Raas Leela. Temples organize all-night kirtan sessions. The Yamuna ghats are illuminated with lamps, and devotees gather to sing and dance in remembrance of the divine Raas.
- Night-long celebrations at Seva Kunj and Nidhivan
- Special moonlight aarti at Yamuna ghats
- Traditional kheer prepared under moonlight
- All-night kirtan and bhajan sessions
- Raas Leela performances at various temples
