Eating white foods during Sharad Purnima holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagari Purnima, marks the harvest festival and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October). The festival is dedicated to the Moon God and Goddess Lakshmi, and it symbolises abundance, prosperity, and the onset of cooler weather. White foods, often considered pure and auspicious, play a key role in the rituals and celebrations of this day.
As per Hindu theology, the colour white is associated with purity, peace, and spirituality. During Sharad Purnima, devotees believe that the moonlight on this full moon night is especially potent and has a nourishing effect on both the body and soul. Eating white foods such as kheer (a milk-based dessert) aligns with the idea of consuming simple, unadulterated nourishment, which is thought to purify the body and mind.
Traditionally, people prepare foods like rice kheer or payasam, which are made from milk, rice, sugar, and sometimes nuts and saffron. Milk, which forms the base of many dishes consumed on Sharad Purnima, symbolises purity and is considered a complete food in Hindu philosophy. It is believed that the moonlight on this night enhances the medicinal properties of milk-based foods, making them even more beneficial for health. Devotees often leave kheer outdoors under the moonlight, allowing it to absorb the moon’s energy before eating it.
White foods and fasting
Another reason white foods are consumed during Sharad Purnima is their association with fasting traditions. Many people observe partial fasts on this day, consuming only light, sattvic (pure) foods. In the context of fasting, white foods such as rice, milk, and sugar are easily digestible and provide nourishment without being heavy on the stomach.
The emphasis on light foods also ties into the transition from the monsoon to the autumn season. During Sharad Purnima, the weather begins to cool down, and the body requires simpler, less complex foods to adjust to the changing climate. White foods, often bland but rich in nutrients, are considered soothing and help the digestive system recover from the heavier, oilier foods typically consumed during the rainy season.
Sharad Purnima celebrates the full moon, which is considered the brightest and most beautiful moon of the year. In Hindu mythology, the Moon God (Chandra) is revered for his cooling and nourishing light, which is said to possess healing properties. The connection between the moon and white foods is deeply symbolic—both are seen as sources of purity, calm, and rejuvenation.
Eating white foods is also a way to honour the moon and its significance in Hindu rituals. In some regions, it is believed that the moon showers amrit on this night, and by consuming white foods that have absorbed the moonlight, devotees believe they can imbibe some of this celestial energy. This practice highlights the spiritual connection between the moon, nature, and the body.
White Foods as Offerings to Deities
In addition to their health and spiritual benefits, white foods are often offered to deities during Sharad Purnima. Goddess Lakshmi, who is worshipped for wealth and prosperity, is believed to visit households on this night to bless them with abundance. Offerings made to her typically include white-colored foods, which signify purity and devotion.
Kheer, made from rice and milk, is one of the most popular offerings.
Rice is considered sacred in Hindu rituals, symbolizing sustenance and life, while milk represents spiritual purity. By offering these white foods, devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being. In some regions, other white foods like coconut-based sweets, curd, and white butter are also part of the festive offerings.
During Sharad Purnima, the ritual of eating white foods goes beyond individual consumption and becomes a communal act. Families and communities often gather together to prepare and share meals, reinforcing social bonds and a sense of togetherness. The shared consumption of white foods, especially under the moonlight, is seen as a way to connect with others and the divine.
While traditional white foods like kheer remain central to Sharad Purnima celebrations, modern interpretations of the festival have also emerged. Some people now incorporate a variety of white foods into their diets during the festival, including yoghurt-based dishes, coconut desserts, and even light-coloured fruits like bananas and lychees. The essential idea remains the same—consuming simple, nourishing foods that align with the spiritual and cultural themes of the festival.