Sharad Purnima: Night Of The Elixir On Sharad Purnima, the moon and the Earth are very close to each other. The rays of the moon have some healing properties which is said to nourish the body and soul of an individual. That is why food kept in the moonlight on Sharad Purnima is considered equal to Amrit (the immortal drink) or elixir. Hence, people in the Eastern regions follow a custom of preparing kheer and keeping it open under the moonlight throughout the night of Sharad Purnima. The next day it is consumed by all the members of the family as it becomes Amrit according to local beliefs. People who keep a fast on Sharad Purnima are supposed to break their fast at night by eating rice flakes and cold milk. The practice of drinking cold milk during this fast has its origins in science. Sharad ritu brings in very hot days and cool nights. During this weather, ‘pitta or acidity becomes predominant in our body. Consumption of milk & rice flakes is a good remedy for ‘pitta. Thus, it is customary to consume cold milk and rice flakes on Sharad Purnima. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready with your bowl of kheer and see it turn into elixir overnight!
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 06:54:31 +0000