Kojagari Pournima: Celebrating the Moonlit Festival with Ayurveda

Kojagari Pournima, also known as Sharad Purnima, is a festival celebrated on the full moon night of Sharad Rutu (autumn season).

Its name comes from the Sanskrit phrase “के जागृताः सन्ति?” meaning “Who is awake?”. Traditionally, it is believed that those who stay awake under the moonlight are blessed with health, prosperity, and peace.

“Kojagiri Pournima 2025 Ayurvedic milk ritual under moonlight

While Kojagari is celebrated with rituals and fasting across India, Ayurveda adds a deeper dimension, emphasizing the festival’s connection to seasonal balance, Pitta pacification, and holistic wellness.

The Significance of Kojagari Pournima

Kojagari Pournima falls in Sharad Rutu, a season characterized by Pitta predominance due to climatic heat. According to Ayurveda, excess Pitta can cause body heat, digestive imbalance, and skin issues. Observing Kojagari by staying awake under the cooling moonlight helps naturally pacify Pitta, supporting seasonal balance and overall health.

Additionally, this night is associated with the Hansodaka Nakshatra, which is believed to enhance the medicinal quality of water and food items. Tradition says the rays of the Agastya constellation detoxify water and medicines, making them purer, more potent, and beneficial. Drinking water or milk exposed to these rays is considered a healing and restorative Ayurvedic practice.

“Ayurvedic Kojagiri milk recipe ingredients: milk, ghee, saffron, rock sugar, cardamom”

Ayurvedic Significance of Kojagari Milk

One of the most cherished rituals of Kojagari Pournima is drinking moonlight-infused milk. Ayurveda recommends a simple, Pitta-balancing version of Kojagari milk rather than long-boiled, heavy recipes. This Ayurvedic drink restores balance, calms body heat, and supports gentle detoxification during Sharad Rutu.

Ayurvedic Kojagari Milk Recipe, Ingredients & Benefits

1. Milk – Cooling and Pitta-Balancing
Milk has a mild purgative effect naturally, which helps to cleanse the excess pitta. Drinking moonlit milk during Sharad Rutu provides a natural cooling effect, strengthens Ojas (vital energy), and supports immunity, vitality, and seasonal detoxification.

2. Ghee – Paramaushad for Nourishment
Ghee, known as Paramaushad in Ayurveda, is a nourishing, Pitta-pacifying ingredient. When added to milk, it creates a complete Ayurvedic tonic that supports digestive health, tissue nourishment, and mental clarity, making it ideal for the moonlit Kojagari ritual.

3. Rock Sugar (Mishri) – Sweet and Cooling
Rock sugar has a cooling, sweet taste and supports Pitta balance. It enhances digestion, provides instant energy, and soothes the nervous system, making milk a delicious, seasonal wellness drink.

4. Kesar (Saffron) – Rakta Prasadaka
Kesar, or saffron, is a prized Ayurvedic herb with Rakta Prasadaka properties, meaning it improves blood quality. It also enhances complexion, boosts vitality, and balances Pitta, making it a perfect seasonal tonic.

5. Elaichi (Cardamom) – Digestive and Soothing
Elaichi, or cardamom, is an aromatic spice that improves digestion, soothes the stomach, and supports Pitta balance. Its mild soothing effect compliments the cooling properties of milk and rock sugar, creating a perfectly balanced Ayurvedic drink for the Kojagari festival.

Pro Tip: Gently boil the milk for 10–15 minutes—just enough to blend the ingredients—and then cool it under the moonlight to retain its Ayurvedic potency.

Ayurvedic Kojagiri milk recipe ingredients: milk, ghee, saffron, rock sugar, cardamom

Hansodaka Nakshatra and Moonlight Benefits

During Sharad Rutu, the Hansodaka Nakshatra enhances the medicinal qualities of water and food items. Water exposed to moonlight and the rays of Agastya becomes Hansodaka, a natural healing tonic. Drinking moonlit milk or water harnesses these benefits, combining Ayurveda and ancient tradition for optimal seasonal wellness.

How to Celebrate Kojagari Pournima ?

Stay awake under the full moon, practising mindfulness or meditation.

Prepare Ayurvedic Kojagari milk with milk, ghee, rock sugar, saffron, and cardamom for Pitta balance and seasonal detox.

Drink moonlit milk or water to enjoy the healing benefits of Hansodaka Nakshatra.

Connect with loved ones, sharing the ritual and embracing the moonlight’s calming energy.

Conclusion

Kojagari Pournima is not just a festival — it is a celebration of Ayurveda, seasonal wellness, and mindful living. By preparing Ayurvedic Kojagari milk, staying under the moonlight, and honoring Hansodaka Nakshatra, you align with the natural rhythms of Sharad Rutu, enhancing your health, vitality, and immunity.

This Sharad Purnima, embrace the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, sip your milk mindfully, and let the moonlight restore balance and calm in your body and mind.