The Harvest Moon or Kojagiri Purnima is the first full moon of autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere. This falls around the end of September or beginning of October after the autumn equinox.
When is it in 2018?
The Harvest Moon or Kojagiri Purnima is split over two days the 23rd and 24th of October, 2018.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
At the beginning of autumn the moon’s angle with earth is such that it rises or appears in the sky earlier than usual after sunset. This creates a halo of the early glow of the moon in the sky quite soon after the sunlight recedes post sunset. Because of this phenomenon the darkness in the twilight hours is reduced.
Prior to the advent of electricity or electric lights this little early moon light afforded the farmers and folks working outdoors a few extra minutes to gather the harvested crops before darkness fell on those nights. That is how this full moon became the “harvest moon”.
Why is it called Kojagiri or Sharad Purnima?
The first autumn full moon is called Sharad Purnima or Kojagiri Purnima in India.
‘Purnima’ (same as Pournima or Poornima) means the full moon.
‘Sharad’ means the season of autumn in Sanskrit. It is the first full moon of autumn after the end of monsoon. Autumn in India and in most of the subcontinent mean breezier, drier warm days and cooler, clearer nights.
What does Kojagiri Purnima mean?
‘Purnima’ means full moon, and;
‘Kojagiri’ or ‘ko-jagrit’ in Sanskrit means ‘Who is awake?’ It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi the goddess of wealth comes to visit everyone on earth on that night and those who are awake that night in her devotion are blessed by her! Hence, asking “Who is awake?” – They shall be blessed.
How is Kojagiri Purnima celebrated in India?
Kojagiri is celebrated across India in different ways.
On the western coastal region including in Mumbai we celebrate by getting together with friends and family, staying up all night under the moonlight, drinking masala doodh (spiced milk) warm rich saffron, almond, nutmeg and cardamom infused sweet milk in silver glasses, playing games and having a good time together. Devotional or music programs are organised or some recreational activities are conducted throughout this night. Goddess Lakshmi the goddess of wealth is worshiped as she blesses her devotees on the night of Kojagiri.
Check out my quick and easy recipe for Masala Doodh!
Scientific (Ayurvedic) reasons for the traditional milk and moonlight celebrations-
The biggest, generally accepted science that surrounds this festivity is that –
- Because the seasons undergo a rapid change around this time of the year we need to protect our health and boost immunity. A traditional part of this festivity is consumption of masala doodh – warm sweet milk infused with almonds, cashews, saffron, cardamom and nutmeg. All the components of this drink have an immunity boosting function while being super delicious. (I can down atleast a few glasses, easy!)
- Generally silver goblets or glasses are used to serve this drink because the hot milk absorbs traces of silver which has certain medicinal properties. Among its many benefits, silver helps regulate internal heat and circulation within our body and has anti-infection properties.
- According to Ayurveda moon light has healing properties. Especially the moonlight during this period is stronger or clearer due to the angle of the moon with earth. Thus, bathing in moonlight and letting our bodies absorb it is good for skin and bone health.
How we celebrate Kojagiri Purnima at home?
On the evening of Kojagiri Purnima we have friends and family over after dinner for the night. We all perform a small puja (or Pooja), pray to the Gods and thank them for all the blessings they have showered on us. The adults then put a red kumkum tilak or tika on foreheads of all children in the house as a symbol of blessing. On this beautiful evening we prepare warm masala doodh (spiced milk), serve it in silver, sip on it and enjoy the beautiful moonlit night together!
So, wherever you are, enjoy the Harvest Moon or Kojagiri Purnima under the moonlight! It is always a beautiful night with the perfect weather and the bright bold moon in the inky, starry sky!
