Navanna Purnima or Navanna is celebrated on Purnima or Full Moon day in Ashwin month (September – October) prior to Diwali festivities. In 2025, Navanna Purnima date is October 6.
This harvest festival is mainly celebrated in rural areas of North India. Navanna is popularly observed as Kojaagari Purnima and Sharat Poornima in other parts of India.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja and Sharat Purnima vrat are most observed rituals of the day. On Navanna festival, farmers worship cows and other cattle.
Navanna marks the ripening of corns and some other grains. On this day, farmers bring their yield to homes and fresh corn is used for cooking special recipes. It is known as a social festival as it is celebrated by all villagers together.
Rituals and Customs
Fresh grains are brought home, and special dishes like kheer (a sweet dish made from rice and milk) using the new rice are prepared and offered to the deity.
Traditional decorations include tying fresh rice stalks and mango leaves at doorways, symbolizing prosperity.
Full-day fasting is common, and the moon is worshipped in the evening—many communities keep rice kheer under moonlight, believing it acquires healing properties from the moon’s rays.
Spiritual and Astrological Importance
The festival is associated with gratitude toward nature and prayers for the continued abundance of food grains in the household.
Sharad Purnima is believed to have special significance in astrology, as the full moon on this day is at its brightest and has positive effects on health and prosperity.
Key Practices
Worship of fresh grains and Goddess Annapurna for food abundance.
Preparation and offering of kheer with new rice.
Decorating homes with rice stalks and mango leaves.
Night-time gatherings, singing traditional songs, and community sharing.
Navanna Purnima is a festival that beautifully combines gratitude, rural harvest customs, and spiritual worship, invoking both social unity and devotional fervor around the annual full moon of Ashwin month.