In Hinduism, Rash Purnima holds deep spiritual significance. This full moon day, also known as Kartik Purnima, marks a divine night when it is believed that the moon showers nectar (amrit) through its rays.
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day, seeking her blessings for prosperity and happiness. Rash Purnima is also associated with Lord Krishna’s Maha Raas.
The celestial dance he performed with Goddess Radha and the Gopis. Hence, the full moon night of Sharad Purnima is also known as Rash Purnima.
It is said that keeping kheer (sweet rice pudding) under the moonlight on this night allows drops of nectar to fall into it, making it divine and highly beneficial when consumed as prasad.
Join Now
Rash Purnima 2025 Date and Schedule
Date: This year, Raas Purnima will be observed on the 5th November, Wednesday, 2025.
Purnima Timing: The full moon (Purnima) begins on Tuesday, 4th November at 9:22 PM and ends on Wednesday, 5th November, at 7:06 PM.
Amrit Kaal Timings
Mahendra Kaal Timings
Rash Purnima 2025 Puja Vidhi
On Rash Purnima, people in Gujarat celebrate the festival by organizing Raas Leela and playing Garba.
Devotees perform ritual worship of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha with devotion and traditional procedures.
Krishna devotees gather together to enact the divine Raas, symbolizing love and devotion.
Kheer is offered to Lord Krishna as bhog (offering) and later consumed as prasadam, which is considered highly auspicious.
Significance of Rash Purnima
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna performed the Maha Raas with Radha and the Gopis on the night of Rash Purnima.
During this divine dance, the moon was so enchanted by the sight that it began to shower nectar from the heavens, blessing the earth with purity and prosperity.
It is believed that on this night, the moon is full with all sixteen kalas (divine attributes), making it spiritually powerful.
Rash Purnima is considered one of the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated in different ways across India and is also regarded as an auspicious day for Goddess Lakshmi’s worship.
Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and perform rituals seeking blessings for wealth, happiness, and peace.
The Dance of Divine Love
At the core of Rasa Purnima lies the mesmerizing Rash Lila or Rasa Lila, the divine dance of Lord Krishna with the Gopis. As described in Vaishnava tradition.
On this sacred night, Krishna played his enchanting flute beneath the moonlit skies of Vrindavan, filling the air with celestial melody.
The Gopis, deeply moved by the divine sound, were drawn to Krishna, and together they performed the eternal dance of love and devotion known as the Rasa Lila.
This dance is not merely a celebration of joy—it represents the spiritual union of the individual soul (Jivatma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma).
The Gopis embody the pure-hearted devotees whose unconditional love and surrender to Krishna symbolize the highest form of devotion.
Through the Rasa Lila, devotees are reminded to offer their hearts completely to the Divine, transcending worldly attachments and experiencing the bliss of divine love.
FAQ:
Q. Why did Lord Krishna perform the Rash Lila with the Gopis?
Lord Krishna performed the Rash Lila to bless the Gopis for their selfless love and devotion.
The divine dance was a way to express that sincere devotion and unconditional love are the highest forms of worship.
Q. What lesson does the Rash Lila teach devotees?
The Rasa Lila teaches that true devotion comes from surrendering completely to God without desire for material rewards.
It inspires devotees to cultivate pure love, faith, and spiritual oneness with the divine.
Q. Where did the Rash Lila take place according to Hindu scriptures?
According to Hindu scriptures, the Rasa Lila took place in the forests of Vrindavan on the banks of the Yamuna River, under the radiant full moon of Rasa Purnima – a night believed to be filled with divine energy and celestial bliss.